Nigerian Army Issue Ultimatum To Cultists In Rivers

The 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, has warned cultists terrorising some Rivers communities to desist forthwith or face the wrath of the law.

Col. Aminu Iliyasu, the Spokesman for the division, said the warning was part of a nine-point communiqué issued at the end of a stakeholders meeting in Port Harcourt on Friday.

He said the stakeholders resolved that all leaders and notable members of cult groups terrorising Ozochi community in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers should be arrested and prosecuted as soon as possible.

The stakeholders also resolved that known cultist camps and bunkering sites at Udoda-Engene Forest should be located and destroyed, he said.

He said that community leaders and all peace-loving citizens of the affected areas were enjoined to support security agencies through the provision of credible and timely intelligence.

Furthermore, the meeting assured all informants of their security and confidentiality, he said.

Iliyasu said that traditional rulers and elders of communities were enjoined to redouble efforts to enthrone peace in their respective communities.

He advocated for the establishment of a vigilante group comprising youths from the various communities to work with security agencies to tackle criminality in the communities.

The stakeholders agreed to hold regular meetings to assess the progress of ongoing peace efforts in the area.

“The Rivers Government was advised to extend fresh amnesty to militants and cult groups in the affected areas in order to achieve the much-desired peace.

“A special reconciliation meeting should be hosted by the Rivers Government at the instance of the Special Adviser on Conflict Resolution for peace in Ahoada East,” Iliyasu said.