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 consider an 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 parts of the region, particularly Ahoada and other communities in the Orashi area.
He said youths who were prepared to abandon cultism, kidnapping, robbery and other violent activities should be given an opportunity to return to society and pursue legitimate means of livelihood.
The former Deputy Speaker made the call on Tuesday while speaking through his representative, Chief Kingdom Ajugo, during the commencement of the 2026 Upata Folklore, Ele, at Ula Upata in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The Orashi area comprises Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Abua/Odual and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government areas.
Nwuche said the security situation in the area had become a major concern, with communities facing killings and other forms of criminality.
He particularly recalled the death of the former Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada East, late CSP Bako Amgbashim, who was killed in the line of duty.
The killing of Amgbashim had remained one of the major security incidents to affect Ahoada East and surrounding communities. In February 2026, a Rivers State High Court sentenced four persons to death over their roles in the police officer’s murder.
The court also convicted the defendants on charges including murder, conspiracy, armed robbery and membership of a secret cult group.
Nwuche said the continuing security challenges showed the need for a combination of security measures and rehabilitation for youths willing to abandon violence.
According to him, several appeals had previously been made to the Rivers State Government for an amnesty initiative for repentant youths in the area, but the request had yet to produce the desired programme.
He therefore urged the Federal Government, particularly the Office of the National Security Adviser headed by Nuhu Ribadu, to consider a structured amnesty arrangement for those willing to surrender their weapons and leave criminal activities.
He said such a programme should not end with the granting of amnesty.
Nwuche said beneficiaries should be properly screened, rehabilitated, reoriented and reintegrated into their communities.
He also called on youths still involved in criminal activities to reconsider their actions and seek legitimate ways of earning a living.
“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 said the call was necessary because the Ekpeye people, who are predominantly farmers and traders, needed a secure environment to conduct their daily activities.
He said residents should be able to travel, farm, trade and carry out their businesses without fear of being attacked or harassed.
The former lawmaker also expressed concern over the number of people he said had lost their lives to cult-related violence in Ekpeye communities.
He insisted that the situation should not be allowed to continue and called on traditional rulers, community leaders, government officials and residents to work together to restore peace.
Nwuche said Ekpeye land should not be allowed to become a safe haven for criminal groups.
He also appealed to youths who had taken up arms to take advantage of any genuine government rehabilitation initiative rather than continue with activities capable of destroying their future and threatening the lives of other residents.
Beyond the security situation, Nwuche called on Ekpeye traditional rulers to provide responsible leadership and work together in the interest of the people.
He urged the people of Upata to support their monarch, Eze (Dr.) Felix E. Otuwarikpo, Eze Igbu Upata III, and preserve the cultural values of the kingdom.
Nwuche described the annual Upata Folklore as an important occasion for promoting unity and preserving the heritage of the people.
He said cultural events such as the folklore provided an opportunity for people to return home, interact and strengthen relationships across communities.
The monarch had earlier declared the 2026 celebration open.
Eze Otuwarikpo described the event as an enduring tradition through which the people celebrate their culture and heritage after the harvest season.
The celebration attracted traditional rulers, chiefs, community leaders, women and youth groups, students and representatives from Ahoada East and Ahoada West local government areas.