The Conference of Nigeria Civil Rights Activists (CNCRA) has raised an alarm over persistent activities of militants in Arepo community Ikorodu, Lagos State.
In a statement issued and signed by the Convener, Mr. Ifeanyi Odili, the group alleged that the militants migrated from Ondo and Bayelsa states to Arepo for their illegal oil deals.
The group said there was urgent need for President Muhammadu Buhari to revisit the amnesty programme, adding that the hoodlums have decided to relocate to Arepo to continue their illegal act due to lack of transparency in the programme.
CNCRA, which claimed to have investigated the militants’ activities, said they (militants) were ready to lay down their arms if government is ready to extend the amnesty programme to them.
The statement reads: “When our research team visited Arepo community, it discovered that residents of the community have been living in fear arising from gunshots by the militants who are into oil deal. They usually engage the security agents in gun duel and when two rival groups clash, everybody runs for safety. In the process, innocent persons are gunned down.
“Also residents of Arepo complained that members of the community disappear mysteriously while some have been killed by the militants. Few weeks ago, nine members of staff of the Department of State Service (DSS) were killed.
“To us in the CNCRA, these are sad events. This is uncalled for and unacceptable to us. Therefore, government should put these unGodly activities to a halt by engaging them in a dialogue before the situation escalates.
“On this note, we appeal to the government to devise a means to bring life back to Arepo.
“Information reaching us in CNCRA is that the militants are ready to lay down their arms and start living normal life if the government extends the amnesty programme to them.