Cultism: Rivers Govt Gives Groups 48-hour Ultimatum To Embrace Amnesty

Unrepentant cultists in Rivers state have been warned to embrace amnesty or face the law.

Mr. Ken Chinda, Special Adviser on Amnesty to Governor Nyesom Wike, gave the warning Saturday in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt.

The amnesty programme was initiated by the state government to enable repentant cultists acquire skills for self-reliance.

But some cultists have refused to accept the offer.

According to Chinda, there are some unrepentant cultists in Ogba/Egbeme/Ndoni Local Government Area of the state frustrating the amnesty programme.

The amnesty official stated that leaders of the Iceland Cult group in Obiozimini, and others in Egi land, Ogba/Egbeme/Ndoni Local Government Area, were unwilling to accept the amnesty.

Chinda then warned all cultists yet to embrace the amnesty offer that they have only 48 hours to do so.

Groups urged to lay down arms

He also urged groups in Omuma Local Government Area of the state yet to submit their arms to do so within the period.

“You can’t fight the Rivers and Federal Governments. Government will come after you if you fail to adhere to this call,”

According to him,  the Rivers government will not sit and do nothing while cult groups carry out criminal activities. He said anyone who fails to comply with the directive will be dealt with.

“If they fail to embrace the amnesty and submit their arms within the time frame, we will go after them because nobody is above the law.

“We want peace in all the local government areas of the state for development to take place unhindered,’’ he said.