Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has granted a10-day window to bandits operating and hiding in forests in the state to leave and surrender themselves and their weapons to the traditional rulers in the areas or face bombardment.
The amnesty took immediate effect.
Uzodimma, who spoke at the Government House Chapel, Owerri, while addressing the congregation after the Sunday Service, said government had decided to rid the forests of bandits and, accordingly, procured the necessary equipment for the purpose. He said bandits who wanted to be reintegrated into the society should take advantage of the amnesty and quit now and hand over their arms.
The governor disclosed that Imo State would host the annual Army Day Celebration from June 30 to July 6, saying no fewer than 10,000 military personnel drawn from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, and Nigeria Police, among others, would be in attendance. They would be led by the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Chief, Chief of Air Staff, Inspector-General of Police, and other security heads, according to the governor.
Uzodimma disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari, who would be expected to declare open the Army Day celebration, had fixed July 12 – 13 as the period he would commission the Owerri-Orlu and Owerri-Okigwe roads as well as perform the flag-off of the construction of Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia (from Fire Service) and the Orlu-Akokwa roads and the foundation laying ceremony of the Imo International Conference Centre in Owerri.
Uzodimma said Cranburg would handle the new roads.
THISDAY
Follow us on:
