Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo has urged members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to lay down their arms and embrace peace.
Soludo said this on Monday as he offered amnesty to members of group in the state, asking them to come out of the forests where they are hiding and from where they are coming to carry out attacks.
Soludo made the appeal following a prayer session organised by the state, which he observed at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Ekwulobia, Aguata LGA.
“I have offered amnesty to all our brothers in the various forests around us. Give us your guns, and trust us to help you forge a meaningful living,” the governor said.
Last week, the governor had set Monday as the day the state would end the sit-at-home order that has been imposed on the whole of South East region by IPBO.
“The task of taking back our dear state and reclaiming the dignity of our collective existence is at the heart of our drive towards a liveable and prosperous homeland,” the governor said.
He declared that the State government would soon announce the composition of a Peace and Reconciliation Committee that will address all areas of sincere challenge. It would also include the mechanism of engaging with the Federal Government on behalf of all Prisoners of conscience.
“We have prayed to God, admonished our people and made a commitment to ensuring that everyone concerned gets expeditious justice.
“Following the unanimous agreement of our leaders across the board, and the endorsement of the entire body of Christ, I am pleased to inform our people that today, Monday, April 4, 2022, marks the official end to the ‘Monday sit-at-home’ in Anambra State.
“Shortly, I will be announcing the membership of the Peace and Reconciliation Committee that will look into addressing all areas of sincere challenge, including interfacing with the Federal Government on behalf of all prisoners of conscience.
“This task is a must. I call for your support and prayers, as we have resolved to fiercely go after criminal elements who are out to threaten our peace and distort our development.
“Anambra is the Light of the Nation, we must keep it so,” he said.
