200 cultists surrender arms to Emmanuel

Efforts of Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel and security agencies to restore peace in some trouble spots have begun to yield results.

Over 200 leaders and members of cult groups in the Etim Ekpo and Ukanafun yesterday dropped their weapons and embraced peace.

At a public event, they went on their knees and prayed for forgiveness from God and the governor for the pains they caused their people over the years.

The repentant cultists prayed for rehabilitation and empowerment to enable them start meaningful means of livelihood.

They complained about what led them into secret societies.

According to them, they lacked social amenities, government attention in their communities, good public schools and decent jobs.

The repentant cultists said politicians abandoned them after using them to attain their political aims.

One of them, who gave his name simply as Mentor, said he hails from Ukanafun and wished the governor to right the wrongs of past administrations which failed to help them.

“We don’t have a village head, we don’t have any youth leader and we didn’t have anyone to talk to us. I am sure Your Excellency will provide these for us so that we can stay together and support him for a second term,” Mentor said.

Another former cultist, Victor Frank, who said he is from Ikot Udobong in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, said he lived in the bush for several years during clashes with his rivals.

Frank said he was happy that peace had been restored following Emmanuel’s intervention.

He said: “For this great feat, we promise to stand with the governor and ensure he succeeds in his second term so that he can continue to bring development to our communities.”

Another repentant cultist, Utomobong Aniekan Sunday (aka Small Money), said he regretted participating in the clash that led to the destruction of lives and property in his community as well as the closing down of economic and social activities.

He said: “We had to sound the gong and invite all our members to answer to your amnesty call. We have surrendered our weapons; we have nothing to give to you but peace. Wwe want all our people who ran away to come back and let’s live together again.”

Other repentant cultists hailed Emmanuel for spearheading the amnesty.

Emmanuel, who said he was saddened by the condition of the repentant militants, recounted how difficult it had been for him to bring development to their areas because of insecurity.

He said: “I wanted to bring a World Bank-assisted project to Ukanafun, but the people preferred to go elsewhere. At the moment, because of you, no contractor accepted our offer to come and execute a project in Ukanafun.”

The governor thanked them for embracing the reconciliation and rehabilitation.

“I promised you that the day you come out, nothing will happen to you. Have I not kept my promise?” Emmanuel asked the repentant cultists.