Nwuche Makes Fresh Demand As Insecurity Grips Rivers Communities — Calls FG to…

Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Governing Board of the South-South Development Commission, Chibudom Nwuche, has called on the Federal Government to introduce a structured amnesty programme for repentant cultists and militant youths in the Orashi area of Rivers State.
Nwuche made the appeal amid concerns over persistent insecurity in Ahoada and other communities across the Orashi axis, which comprises Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Abua/Odual and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas.
Speaking through his representative, Chief Kingdom Ajugo, at the commencement of the 2026 Upata Folklore in Ula Upata, Ahoada East, Nwuche urged youths willing to abandon cultism, kidnapping, robbery and other violent activities to surrender their weapons and embrace legitimate livelihoods.
He said the security situation had become increasingly disturbing, recalling the killing of the former Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada East, late CSP Bako Amgbashim, who died in the line of duty.
In February 2026, a Rivers State High Court sentenced four persons to death over their roles in the police officer’s murder. The defendants were also convicted on charges including murder, conspiracy, armed robbery and membership of a secret cult group.
Nwuche argued that security operations alone would not completely address the crisis, stressing the need for rehabilitation and reintegration of youths prepared to renounce violence.
He appealed to the Federal Government, particularly the Office of the National Security Adviser headed by Nuhu Ribadu, to establish a structured amnesty programme for repentant youths in the region.
According to him, beneficiaries should undergo proper screening, rehabilitation, reorientation and reintegration rather than simply receive amnesty and return to their communities.
“Those who are still carrying guns and killing our people indiscriminately should stop and accept amnesty and be ready to be reintegrated into society,” he said.
Nwuche also appealed to youths involved in criminal activities to abandon violence and seek legitimate means of livelihood, noting that the predominantly farming and trading communities needed a peaceful environment to thrive.
He expressed concern over lives lost to cult-related violence in Ekpeye communities and urged traditional rulers, community leaders, government officials and residents to work collectively towards restoring peace.
He further called on Ekpeye traditional rulers to provide responsible leadership and urged the people of Upata to support their monarch, Eze (Dr.) Felix E. Otuwarikpo, Eze Igbu Upata III.
The former lawmaker described the annual Upata Folklore as an important platform for preserving the cultural heritage of the people and promoting unity among communities.
The 2026 celebration attracted traditional rulers, chiefs, community leaders, women and youth groups, students and representatives from Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas.