557 youths renounce cultism, surrender arms and charms to police in Rivers State

No fewer than 557 youths have renounced membership of cult groups in Bodo and other communities in Gokona Local Government Area of Rivers state. 

The repentant cultists surrendered their weapons and charms to the police during the disarmament programme held at Apostolice Field in Bodo. 

The programme which began on December 3, followed an intensive military operation in Bodo by the Chairman of Gokana, Hon Paul Vidag Kobani led by the Bori Divisional Officer in collaboration with other sister security agencies in Gokana. 

Rev. Father Abel Abulu, the Parish priest of Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church in Bodo, who facilitated the programme, expressed happiness that the youth realised the need to change their ways and embrace peace. 

"The whole picture of Christ as model of reconciliation is the message that this exercise espouses and that is what we have done,” said the priest.

Speaking at the event, the state Commissioner of Police, Joseph Mukan, urged the youth to resist any temptation to return to crime or be ready to face the law. . 

In his speech, Gokana council boss, Hon. Paul Vidag Kobani, however warned that the sincerity on the part of those who surrendered their arms is what will either validate or invalidate the process as the security agencies will do thorough verification before the government will consider the plea for pardon.