Governor Ayade decries exclusion of Bakassi Strike Force from amnesty program

The Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Ben Ayade has decried the exclusion of the militant group, Bakassi Strike Force from the federal government amnesty program.

Ayade wondered why the group that had since voluntarily surrendered their weapon on the behest of the state and federal government has been left out of the scheme.

Ayade made this known today, Thursday, December 3rd, 2020 at the launch of a special operation to weed out criminal elements from the state.

“We want to ask the federal government to explain to us why the Bakassi Strike Force has not been given proper restitution, rehabilitation and reintegration as they have done in other states.

“I plead in the name of God that the Bakassi strike force should be admitted into amnesty so that they can have their due and be properly trained so they can become citizens that will bring value to society.”, he said.

Speaking on behalf of the service commanders in the state, the State Commissioner of Police, Abdulkadir Jimoh commended Ayade for his proactive steps in crime fighting and pledged the commitment of security agencies in the state to keeping Cross River safe free from criminals.

The operation Code-named ‘Operation Akpakwu’ is made up of personnel from the Amy, Navy, Air Force and Civil Defence.

The Governor donated patrol vehicles, ten power bikes and drones to the outfit, with a charge to clear the state of criminal elements.