The Cross River State Government has granted amnesty to over 400 militants identified as Bakassi Strike Force from the Bakassi Local Government Area of the state.
Daily Post News reported that while speaking with Mr Ani Esin, the adviser to the Governor on security, he revealed the programme was initiated since the year 2018 when there was too much agitation from the militants at Bakassi Peninsula.
Mr Esin disclosed that the Governor deemed it fit to address some areas of discontent through inviting the militants to a round table and grant them amnesty so that the ex-militants will once again be given the opportunity to become useful persons in their life.
Earlier, Prof. Ben Ayade at the event which marked the beginning of the second phase of amnesty programme pledged to the current batch of beneficiaries, that the State Government will continue to offer amnesty training to genuine agitators or militants whenever the need arises.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Prof. Ivara Esu said the program has become necessary as a state programme on social responsibility to empower its children who have genuinely repented, saying they will receive more training on various skills that will make them a more productive citizen.
The deputy governor expressed optimism that when the training is successful at the end of the day, it will bring an end to the militancy that has bedevilled the state for long.
Meanwhile, he enjoined the trainee to make the best use of the skills they acquire to change their life for the better.
Also at the occasion was the Permanent Secretary, Dr Alfred Mboto who appreciated the Governor and his Deputy over such laudable program. He also commended the militant for accepting the amnesty as is the only way to achieving peace in the area.