The Delta State Government has asked all persons in possession of illegal arms in Ugolo and Okorikpere communities in Okpe Local Government Area of the state to surrender them or face the wrath of the law after 30 days.
The programme begins from January 1 and is scheduled to end on January 31, 2025.
This was contained in a statement signed by Udoka Emmanuel, the executive assistant to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Security in a statement on Wednesday.
The ultimatum is coming on the heels of allegations that many youths of both communities are in possession of firearms with large stock of ammunition.
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The statement explained that the state government issued the ultimatum after meeting with security agencies and relevant stakeholders in respect of the recent communal crisis between Ugolo community and neighbouring communities.
“I have been directed to give all persons in possession of illegal weapons of both communities from today (January 1 through January 31, 2025) to surrender them or face the wrath of the law.
“This amnesty is coming on the heels of strong allegations against so many youths of both communities who are in possession of firearms and some large number of ammunition.
“If the present spate of arms procurement in the affected communities is not checked, indigents and residents of both communities may witness unsecured future for their next generation.
“The government Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State will not allow unscrupulous elements to continue to brandish guns without recourse to the safety and development of our communities.
“The period of the weapons surrender would last for one month beginning from today. During this period, those in unauthorised possession of arms shall notify the weapons takeover delegates headed by DSP. Waziri and Udoka Emmanuel or through the president general of both communities.
“I was also directed to warn that failure to adhere to this directive from February I, 2025, the police, the military and the Directorate of Special Services (DSS) will launch a serious manhunt on the suspected gun runners in possession of these firearms.
“This warning and directive doesn’t in anyway affect the ongoing investigation over the recent shootings in the area where five persons, including a teenager were hit by stray bullets.
“And should there be any shooting again in the area, we have directed the security agencies to bring down anyone sighted with firearms. If you take this warning for granted, you may be playing with your life,” Emmanuel said in the statement.