Don Waney’s men surrender arms to Imo govt

Hundreds of Don Waney's fighters have finally surrendered their arms
to the Imo State government

The fighters surrendered their arms, including explosives, rocket
launchers and high-calibre rifles like AK47 at Heroes Square, Owerri,
Imo State on Monday.

A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Sam
Onwuemeodo, described the development as a healthy one, which would
ensure peace in the state.

The statement read "it is shocking to note that most of the activists
of the Avengers and those of Don Waney operatives are our sons and
daughters from the militancy business. Their surrendering arms will
end the security challenges we have in Ohaji/Egbema, Awara and the
rest of the areas where people have been on self-exile for many years.

"Today, we are welcoming back our brothers and sisters who have
remained in the creeks and forest for so many years perpetuating all
kinds of evil, killing and maiming human beings. But today, glory to
God, these our children have decided, on their own, to come back and
be part of the society. They are doing so on their own, surrendering
arms which they have used in committing criminal activities for what
they called expression of grievances of different sorts.

"We, as a government are happy, particularly, that these young boys
and girls will now come back as good citizens of Imo State. We are
here to receive and listen to them. What they say today will determine
the role of government in assisting them and making sure they become
good citizens once more. It is the wish of the Niger Delta people to
welcome you back as good citizens.

"Recall that three weeks ago, the notorious kingpin, Don Waney, was
killed and most of these boys are his colleagues and generals in the
bush. Today, we are gladdened that the lives of these boys have not
been left in the hands of the military and police who would have
wasted them; but, today they are being reintegrated into our society
to become good citizens.

"We, as a government that is sensitive to the plights of the people,
are here to intervene before the matter gets out of hand. Last year
and last two years we did similar exercises and most of those youths
are now doing well. We want to remove terror from Ohaji/Egbema."