Ondo Ex-Agitators Appeal to President Tinubu for Inclusion in Amnesty Programme

Ex-agitators in Ondo State have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to integrate them into the Presidential Amnesty Programme, claiming marginalization despite submitting their arms and ammunition seven years ago.

General Deji Ehinmowo, leader of the ex-militants, made the plea at a news conference in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government area. The former militants, from various camps including the United Sea-wolf Avengers, Black Bush camp, and Mafia camp, lamented their exclusion from the programme and begged for their inclusion.

The ex-agitators explained that they were invited to participate in the 2017 Presidential Amnesty Programme in Ondo State through a letter dated July 16, 2009. They said that the exercise, conducted with the Ondo State government, the Nigerian Navy, and other security agencies, saw over 1,000 persons from their camps participate.

The former militants expressed their disappointment that the demobilisation and reintegration phases of the programme, which include vocational training, educational pursuits, and monthly benefits, have not been fulfilled since their engagement in 2017. They demanded full payment of their monthly benefits and arrears, and the completion of the remaining phases of the programme.

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"We have been grievously affected by many years of neglect since we embraced the Amnesty programme," they said. "All we want is to be incorporated because we have already submitted our arms."

The ex-agitators stated that they had submitted a significant amount of arms and ammunition, including various rifles, explosives, and military uniforms, as part of their commitment to the Amnesty initiative. Despite making several appeals in the past, they have not received the desired results.

They pledged to continue exercising patience to ensure lasting peace in the country and the oil-producing communities in Ondo State. They also reiterated their loyalty and commitment to the nation-building programmes of the Tinubu-led federal government and the Ondo State government.

"We want to restate our loyalty and commitment to the nation-building programmes of the Tinubu-led federal government and the government of Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa in Ondo State to sustain the development of the riverine people," Ehinmowo said.