The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday, offered amnesty to cultists in the state.
In a statement released by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Okpebholo urged the cultists to renounce their membership of the groups, turn a new leaf and surrender the arms in their possession.
The governor said that a technical committee will soon be announced to handle the restitution of cult members and criminally-minded youths in a bid to reduce the menace of violent crime, including kidnapping.
He said, “I am dangling a window of restitution for cult members in the state to renounce and turn a new leaf, while those in possession of illegal arms and ammunition have been called upon to surrender them to authorities in exchange for amnesty.
“A major component of the amnesty programme for such youths will include skills acquisition and empowerment programme in order to make them useful to themselves and to the society in the long run,” said Governor Okpebholo.
“My administration’s resolve will set up a technical committee to handle the restitution of cult members and criminally-minded youths in a bid to reduce the menace of violent crime, including kidnapping.
“Peace will be restored to all restive communities in the state, including Oko-oroma, Amagba and Obagie and I will support the community leaders to bring about lasting peace in their communities, especially as the government embarks on the development of the new city in the state.”
