Over 500 youths belonging to different cult groups have renounced their membership in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
These groups have allegedly been involved in violent crimes in the state.
The event, which was organised by the State Security outfit known as Bayelsa Volunteers and headed by Comrade Douye Koroye is part of the efforts of the State Government to give a second chance to members of cult groups to renounce and avoid lengthy jail terms if arrested.
Comrade Koroye explained that the Bayelsa Volunteers with the assistance of the State Government decided that the only proper way is to give youths a second chance at peace and proper lifestyle.,”nobody will victimise anybody. We are here to renounce cultism and do the right thing. “
The process of renunciation was witnessed by the Leader of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Peter Akpe, the Special Adviser to the Bayelsa State Governor on Oil and Gas/Bayelsa Volunteer, Hon.Bonny Ayah, the Special Adviser on Scholarship and Hon. Jeremiah Owoupele, the State Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee, Engr. Igofo-Enieni Samson, the Chairman of the Ijaw Youths Council (central zone), Comrade Tari Porri.
Hon. Peter Akpe, who is the leader of the State House of Assembly explained that the decision by the State Assembly and the Governor Seriake Dickson administration to pass the Bill amending the 2012 anti-cuktism law was based on the need to strengthen the police to arrest and prosecute suspected cultists.
According to Akpe, ” nobody is interested in killing any repentant youths of the State. As you denounce, it end your era of shame and evil. Cultism will not take you anywhere. Cultism is for the weak minded youths. Anything you take by shedding blood will be taken from you by shedding your blood. “
