Some ex-militants have stage a protest against what they called the shady deals rocking the Amnesty Programme initiated by the Ondo State Government.

The ex militants under the aegis of United Sea-Wolf Avengers, the Niger Delta Militant Vanguard, the Awaja Camp, Dragon Camp and the Lion Camp alleged that the amnesty programme organised by the state government was a sham.

The ex-militants were at the premises of the Ondo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC) in Oba Ile area of Akure, the state capital on two consecutive days last week.

The protesters also prevented the staff and disallowed vehicular movement into the commission as they set up bonfire and placed fetish items at the front gate.

On Friday, some workers who reported for duties were barred from gaining access to their office.

They carried placards with inscription bearing, “Nigeria and Ondo State Government Are Playing Upon Our Intelligence” and “Ondo State Politicians Have Hijacked Amnesty Slots”.

Others included: “We Are Regretting Laying Down Our Arms and Ammunition” and “All The Generals Say No To The Amnesty Slot”.

On the 9th of November 2017, the Ondo State Government and the Presidential Amnesty Committee enrolled some ex-militants in the state who submitted their arms and ammunition willing.

They were given a 21-day ultimatum to submit the arms to the State Amnesty Committee headed by the Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi at the time.

The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Yemi Olowolabi, while reacting, said the protesting militants were jobless youths and disgruntled elements.

Mr. Olowolabi explained that the number of those (ex-militants) captured during the biometric exercise were 4,000 but the number of forms from Abuja was 1,000.

He noted that leaders from various camps were invited to distribute and harmonised the forms within them.

He, however, promised that the State Government was still committed to solving the problems of the militants in the state.

Meanwhile, the protesting ex-militants have issued a three day ultimatum to all the oil companies operating in the coastal community in the state to vacate.

General Akinfemi Raymond, Secretary of United Seawolf Avengers, who addressed journalists accused policemen drafted from the Ondo State Police Command of shooting at some of the protesting militants. (Daily Trust)

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