FG May Mop Up Arms In Niger Delta

The chairman, Federal Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has disclosed that the office may embark on mopping of arms in the Niger region again.

This may not be unconnected to the Okuama killing of soldiers on peace mission and pockets of violence in the region,

Otuaro said yesterday in Warri while interfacing with the first phase amnesty programme stakeholders that the frequent killings were triggered by proliferation of small arms among youths in Niger Delta communities and youths who acquire illegal weapons hold community leaders to ransom.

While saying Okuama’s case is a glaring one, he said no region in the world is developed with frequent violence and killings.

“The Okuama incidence is a sad case and my office will look into whether or not, the federal government may embark on another journey on arms mopping in the region for peace and stability and to protect lives and property.

“When that comes, you (ex-agitators) have to cooperate with my office to point out those who possess small arms. We will reach out to them to voluntarily surrender their weapons to my office to benefit from the programme,” he said.