Metro

Surrender your arms, or else…, Army warns Rivers cultists

Published

8 years ago

June 8, 2016

Surrender you arms, or else..., Army warns Rivers cultists

The Nigerian Army, Tuesday, sent a strong worded warning to rampaging militants in Rivers State, asking them to lay down their weapons or face full military action.

The warning was issued by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Captain Eli Lazarus, adding that the killing of innocent people, including the security personel would not be tolerated by the Army.

It would be recalled that rival cult groups in Rivers State have turned the state into a killing field, attacking communities where suspected rivals are taking refuge while also going on reprisal attacks.

Lazarus, in the statement, condemned the level of carnage and violence recorded in few days in the state, adding that those involved would never be allowed to go unpunished.

“The issues of cult clashes in Rivers State have assume an alarming dimension and a source of security concern in the state. In the past few days, cult clashes were recorded in communities in Ikwerre and Emuoha LGAs of the state with several deaths recorded.

Read also: Ex-Air Force Chief begs for out of court settlement in N4.8bn money laundering case

“Amongst these deaths are some of our personnel who were part of the team that responded to distress calls to prevent the situation from further degenerating.

“The cultists are hereby warned to surrender their arms and turn away from their evil ways. Therefore, I wish to state unequivocally that any such attacks on any community will be met with full military action,” he warned.

The Army called on parents to warn their children and wards to stop associating with cult groups, stressing that anyone caught would not be spared.

“The people are urged to remain calm and go about their lawful activities as security agencies will continue to work assiduously and make sacrifices in the performance of their constitutional roles and relate with all well-meaning citizens to identify these criminal groups and bring them to justice,” the Army added.

RipplesNigeria… without borders, without fears

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now