The Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) in Rivers State has constituted a Peace and Reconciliation Committee to parley with repentant cultists, to complement the government’s peace efforts.
The government, through an Amnesty Committee, led by Mr. Ken Chinda, gave freedom to cultists in crisis-ridden Omoku and other parts of the state.
The committee, which was inaugurated at the council’s headquarters in Omoku, was charged with the responsibility of uniting cultists, who accepted peace, to promote it.
ONELGA’s Caretaker Committee Chairman Mr. Osi Olisa urged members to ensure they remained unbiased.
He urged the committee to summon the two cults that accepted amnesty from the government, chiefs and elders in the communities for a peace talk.
Olisa hoped the action would end insecurity and restore peace.
He advised youths to shun cultism and other crimes, to promote development.
The ONELGA boss said: “We have taken another step in an effort to restore peace. We want you to come up with a modality on how to unify the cults in this local government.
“Ensure that at the end of the day you have united the boys that have had one disagreement or the other in the cults. We shall come here after you have achieved this to wine and dine and announce peace, stability and security in ONELGA.”
Committee Chairman Mr. John Ikeagu assured the people the committee will achieve its mandate.
He enjoined chiefs, elders and the people to support the government to restore peace.