Rivers State: 3,421 youths submit guns to priest

A renowned Catholic priest, of St. Patrick Catholic Church,  Bodo city, Rev Fr Abel Abulu has successfully convinced over 3,421 youths from Go­kana local government area of Rivers State to submit their guns.

The incident which occurred over the weekend was the effort of Gokana Peace Ambassadors and the clergyman in restoring peace in the community .

The cultists had on different occasions refused to submit their weapons to the amnesty committee set up by the Wike led state government, feigning that they do not have guns.

Their acceptance to the plea to repent was achieved through the intervention of Gokana Peace Ambassadors and the clergyman, who went into the creeks to preach peace to the cultists.

Speaking to newsmen, the President of Gokana Peace Ambassadors, Kpa­kol Aleema-Kpakol, said the group decided to embark on peace cam­paign following wide spread violence which has led to the death of several people.

Aleema-Kpakol, who spoke alongside his Secretary, Tomei Barikpe Vycent, commended Fr Abel for his effort in ensuring the safety of Gokana people.

On his part, the clergyman urged the state government to grant amnesty to the youths , which will ensure the sustenance of their decision to shun cultism.