Natives of the Ogoni ethnic nationality in Rivers have commended the state government for initiating another amnesty programme for cultists and other criminal elements in the area.
The new window of opportunity is coming on the heels of interventions and appeals by stakeholders from the ethnic group as a way of stemming the recurring killings and violence.
The window of the amnesty granted repentant cultists by the Rivers state government was shut in October last year following expiration of the sixty-day programme.
This led to the recent destruction of weapons retrieved from repentant youths from various parts of the state
But the Ogoni axis of the state has continued to witness series of violence and killings.
Stakeholders in the area are full of praises for the state government.
Dr Medee who is also a senior lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt said the headships of different socio-cultural groups from ogoniland are leaving nothing to chance to ensure the success of the amnesty exercise.
Kenneth Chinda is the special adviser to the Rivers state governor on amnesty.
He said series of talks and negotiations had begun with groups from Ogoniland to ensure that all cultists and other criminals in the area embrace the programme and lay down their arms.
With the new initiative, many are praying that the youths involved will see reason so as to ensure the return of lasting peace to Ogoniland that has continued to be one of the boiling points in Rivers state.
