Ex Militants in Ondo State have given a 14 day ultimatum to Ondo State and the Federal governments to incorporate them into the amnesty programme or they go back to the creeks.
The Militants behind the kidnap, vandalization and several attacks in the south west submitted their arms and ammunition in Ondo State in November 2017 to embrace the federal government amnesty programme.
However, some of the Ex Militants were yet to be considered for the amnesty thus causing fresh agitations and tension in the riverine areas.
The Ex militants staged protests across Ese Odo and Ilaje local government areas in Ondo State to register their grievances.
Addressing Journalists at Igbodigo in Okitipupa local government area of Ondo State, a leader of the aggrieved ex militants, General Bowei Felix said the protests were to intimate the government of their readiness to take up arms and back to the creeks to earn a living.
He said government has reneged on its promise to empower them and enlist them in the amnesty programme thereby leaving them idle, even after several reminders.
“The amnesty programme was designed for Militants who had surrendered and to ensure permanent peace in the riverine area, but we are surprise to note that politicians have hijacked the programme. They now give the amnesty package to their sons, daughters and kingsmen.”
“We have been left in the cold for too long and we can not trust this government any longer. The only option we have now is for government to enlist us into the amnesty programme or we care for ourselves.”
He warned political parties not to bring their campaign to the southern part of the state saying their safety can not be guaranteed.
The leader of the ex-militants also threatened to occupy offices of Ondo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC) anytime soon.
General Bowei called on Ondo State governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN and President Muhammadu Buhari to accede to their request without delay.
Others in attendance were leaders of militant groups from various camps, including Soriwei Raphael, Uyaboriegba Bekewei, Pouye Agbala, Chief Ogidiogo.
Others are; Okaminiwei Emmanuel, Ijakotiba Olorunwa, Ajayi Elijah, Iriyemi Olarotimi, Okunnuwa Omosehin and General kosoko Shella.
