The amnesty programme is part of the state government’s approach to ending killings and destruction of property in the areas
Former militants, cultists and kidnappers, numbering about 420, from Etim Ekpo and Ukanafun Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom on Tuesday, welcomed the amnesty programme offered by the state government.
The amnesty programme is part of the state government’s approach to ending killings and destruction of property in the areas.
Addressing the reformed militants in Uyo, Deputy Gov. of the state, Mr. Moses Ekpo, lauded them for renouncing their past actions after they gave up their weapons to the amnesty committee.
The committee is made up of heads of security agencies in the state.
Ekpo informed the former militants that the state government has signed an undertaking on their behalf, to protect them from harassment by security agencies.
He also disclosed that a rehabilitation programme has been put in place to aid in their reformation.
He said that with their action, the crisis ridden and deserted communities would begin to experience a new lease of life.
The deputy governor promised that abandoned projects in the area would soon be revived. He said; “Government is proud that most of you have said you want to live a meaningful life.
“I am glad that some of you say you want to work in the security agencies and want to rise to the level of even a police commissioner.
“Government is happy with you and will give all of you start up skills and education to enable you realise your dreams in life,” Ekpo said.
In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Samuel Ogunjemilusi, applauded the former cultists for their commitment to the restoration of peace in their communities.
READ ALSO: Osunbor heads APC Appeal Committee
He urged them to surrender the remaining weapons in their custody so as not to be tempted to use them to commit crime again, warning that the amnesty would only cover their past and not crimes committed after the programme.
Ogunjemilusi assuredthat security agencies in the state were committed to the success of the programme and restoration of lasting peace in the area.
One of the leaders of the reformed cultists, Unyime Ibanga, alias Overcomer, thanked the state government and security agencies for the opportunity given them to live normal lives again.
Ibanga pledged the commitment of his members to the restoration of lasting peace in the state, citing unfulfilled promises from government as part of the reasons for violent actions while calling on the state government to keep to its promise of rehabilitating them.
Ibanga said the rehabilitation became necessary so that he and his colleagues would not be tempted to return to crime.
Meanwhile, the rehabilitation process for the 264 men who surrendered from Ukanafun Local Government Area has started while those from Etim Ekpo Local Government Area will begin as soon as their documentation was completed.
