Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike has challenged security operatives to go after 32 cultists jeopardizing security of particularly Omoku, Ogba, Egbema, Ndoni local government areas of the state, placing a N20M reward on each for any information which could lead to their arrest.
The latest offer is about N440 million more than what the governor offered towards the arrest of late notorious kidnap kingpin, Johnson Igwedibia, better known as Don Wani, who was linked to the murder of up to 23 persons in Omoku on 1st January.
Wike made the pledge on a TV broadcast stating that 32 notorious cultist remain in 12 local government areas of the state.
The governor in his quest to rid the state of criminality warned that either they (criminals) leave the state or risk the death penalty.
"We reiterate our zero tolerance for all forms of criminality and reassure of residents of our resolve to be tough on those who choose to violate our criminal laws and undermine peace and security in the state," he said.
"To underscore the seriousness we attach to the fight against violent crime, we shall be amending the Anti-kidnapping law to prescribe the maximum sentence for engaging in cultism, robbery and kidnapping."
"Our decision to offer amnesty to all repentant cultists, militants and criminals was done in good faith and in the best interest of the state," he added.
"Regrettably, while the programme was on course, some opposition leaders in our state, unhappy with the successes recorded, dissuaded some armed militants and cultists from sincerely embracing the amnesty."
"We therefore wholeheartedly thank President Muhammadu Buhari for rising to the occasion and not politicking with the issue of security, we also commend the security agencies, particularly, the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services, for swiftly rising to the challenge in the most professional way" Wike added.
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