More militants surrender arms in Delta, 536 in Edo

By Emma Arubi & SIMON EBEGBULEM

WARRI – FOLLOWING alleged surrender and subsequent death of leader of Niger Delta Liberation Force, NDLF, ‘Gen’ John Togo, five more militant leaders, yesterday, at Koko, headquarters of Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, surrendered their arms and ammunitions to the Joint Task Force code named Operation Restore Hope, in charge of security in the region.

Meanwhile, 536 militants from Ikoro community, in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, also yesterday, surrendered their weapons, just as the Commander of the group, ‘Gen’. Abiodun Peter (aka Kabiru) appealed to the Federal and State Governments to bring development to Ijaw communities in Edo State.

In Delta State, five repentant militants,  who said they decided to surrender their arms in line with the Federal Government’s amnesty programme are ‘Generals’ Isaac Boro Nana Opiri of Ajanikoto camp; Okpima Sosoh of Ariko camp; Joseph Isanmi of Tiger camp; Ogoluwa Uki of Mabebe-Tuwa-Opia camp and Justice Mumu of Alagbabiri-Ogbo camp, respectively.

The weapons submitted included 513 ammunitions, 12 dynamites and 235 single barrel guns.
Receiving the weapons on behalf of the JTF, Captain Ken, charged them not to return to the path of militancy but to take a genuine and sustainable means of livelihood so that they can be fully re-integrated in civil society.

Similarly, Chairman of Ex-Generals/Commanders of MEND forum, Mr. Josiah Oyakonghan, alias Oyimi has charged Chief Great Ogboru to shun litigation and join hands with Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan to lead the state to the desired height of development and for the sake peace, unity and harmony.

Weapons, surrendered in Edo State, included dynamites, assault riffles, AK 47s, grenades, machine guns and others, were received by men of the JTF in the Niger Delta and officials of the State Security Services, SSS.

The occasion also witnessed the burning of charms used by the militants, which according to them was their guardian angel in the creeks.