‘Osama Bin Laden’ embraces amnesty
...Returns arms
By Otikor Samuel
One of the militants in Rivers State, Mr. Solomon Ndigbara that goes with the pet name, Osama Bin Laden and who until recently has been linked to several atrocities particularly in the Ogoni axis has laid down arms and embraced the Federal Government amnesty offer to militants.
I n a ceremony that attracted thousands of villagers, the repentant militant, Mr. Ndigbara surrendered his weapons with a pledge that he would no longer take to arm struggle.
So far, a few numbers of dangerous arms and ammunition including three AK 47, five Lars, one locally-made pistol, three pump actions, 12 magazines and 1,000 ammunition were handed over to the Inspector General of Police, Sir Mike Okiro who raced down from Abuja for that purpose.
Mr. Ndigbara who denied ever having a hand in any kidnap case, however, said he had joined force with other fighters to press home the struggle for resource control.
He equally confessed that he provided security for RCC, a construction firm but promised that he would henceforth ceased to be a vessel that would deal in arms.
The hand over event that was held at the militant's residence at Yeghe in Gokana local government also witnessed the destruction of shrine by men of God which the repentant self-styled Bin Laden confessed was his source of power that prevented pellets from penetrating his body.
Speaking to newsmen, wife of 'Osama Bin Laden', Mrs. Kate Solomon Ndigbara expressed her unreserved joy with the federal government for granting amnesty to persons who illegally once took up arms, stating that she had always felt unsafe because of her husband's ugly business.
Mrs. Ndigbara who disclosed that their marriage is blessed with five children explained that she live in fear all this while and therefore thanked God for experiencing a new lease of life.
She, however, asked the federal government to assist in rehabilitating her husband so as to engage him in meaningful trade.
Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Sir Mike Okiro has observed that if other militants would emulate the bold step taken by Mr. Solomon Ndigbara, the Niger Delta region would soonest experience peace and tranquility.
Consequently, he charged others to come out, assuring that the federal government has come out with full package on how to rehabilitate them.
Sir Okiro confirmed that 'Osama Bin Laden' is the first to surrender his arms and that the arms are all functional, stating that he would convey the development to President Umar Musa Yar'Adua.
A traditional ruler, HRH Mene Suanu .T.Y. Baridam who described the ceremony as interesting recalled that intense struggle for the control of Niger Delta resources started in Ogoni and said an Ogoni son has taken the lead to surrender arms.
Mene Baridom therefore expressed hope that the government offer on amnesty would put to end years of senseless killings and violence.
