More Repentant Militants Surrender Arms in Imo

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News Across Nigeria, News From The State Thursday, September 22nd, 2016

By Ignatius Okpara

IMO, NIGERIA (AFRICAN EXAMINER) – Barely one week some repented militants operating in Imo state surrendered their arms and ammunitions to the State government, another dreaded militant group led by one General Felix Omereji, wednesday did same as they handed over their weapons to Governor Rochas Okorocha.

The group surrendered the arms to embraced peace, as well as beat the expiration of the Thursday deadline given to the remnants of the Niger-Delta Avengers fighting in the oil producing areas of Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta areas of the state by the Governor.

AFRICAN EXAMINER recalled that Governor Okorocha, had last week while receiving the first set of repented militants, gave one week ultimatum to the remnant operating in the state to lay down their arms, or be ready to face the music if apprehended.

The Wednesday’s event which took place at the Imo International Convention Centre, IICC, also saw top security officers in the state in attendance.

General Omereji, in his speech, said that they boycotted the first phase of the disarmament programme last week to see what the state government would do with the Commanders and their fighters who had surrendered their weapons to government.

He stated that he and his group were encouraged to surrender their weapons and embrace peace when they saw the sincerity of the Governor with regard to the first disarmament programme.

Surrendered by the General gang were assorted guns, AK-47, explosives, amongst others.

He regretted all they did in the oil producing areas of the state and prayed God to forgive them.

Omereji thanked Governor Okorocha for his approach to the whole development which he said, encouraged them to come out from the forest to embrace peace.

He assured that they would ensure the sustenance of the peace already achieved in the oil producing areas of the state with the militants dropping their guns and embracing peace.

Speaking at the event, Governor Okorocha told General Felix and his fighters that he has granted them pardon like those before them, saying President Muhammadu Buhari would grant them amnesty.

He added that they had done well by not waiting for the deadline he gave to them to elapse.

“We are here to receive our children who have been living in the forest for years, killing many people.

“I am your father, I will pardon you, while the President would grant you amnesty

” We have gathered to dramatise life for those of the militants who have dropped their guns to embrace peace, they have been pardoned,” Okorocha declared.

The Governor also expressed joy, saying since the last disarmament programme, the people of Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta who abandoned their homes and ran away for years and months have started returning to their homes.

He assured he would do all within his power to ensure that the peace achieved in the restive communities is sustained.