Tina Amanda
Some cult groups in Alakahia Community of Akpor Kingdom, in Obio-Akpor local government area of the state, have denounced cultism.
Our reporter gathered that the repentant cultist accepted to turn a new leave in the presence of security agencies, Chiefs and Elders of Alakahia, stakeholders and the community people, at the community square.
Some of the repentant cultists who spoke at the event lamented that they were lured into cultism by some Chiefs and leaders of the community due to chieftaincy tussle.
They urged the community leaders to do things rightly in order to set good examples for the young ones while appealing to all aggrieved youths of Alakahia to come together and be United.
They, however, called for State government intervention, to investigate every issue that has been causing crises in the community and bring an end to it.
Addressing the gathering, the Paramount rulers of Alakahia Community in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, EZE DANIEL OGBONDAH-DODO assured the repented cultist that the council of chiefs had forgiven them if they have genuinely denounced cultism.
EZE OGBONDAH-DODO also assured them that he is ever ready to make peace with any aggrieved youth willing to move Alakahia forward, adding that he will continue to ensure peace is maintained all through his reign.
The Alakahia Monarch encouraged the youths to sheath their swords and warned that those who do not want the peace of the community would also not have peace.
Also speaking, Chairman of peace and reconciliation committee, CHISA AWURI, said the move was for the peace and development of Alakahia community, stressing that development can only strive in a peaceful atmosphere.
On his part, Choba Police Area Commander, Patrick, who spoke on behalf of the security agencies present, advised the repentant cultist to abide by the oath they have taken and ensure that peace is maintained in ALAKAHIA community.
Our reporter noted that the Alakahia repentant cultists were made to sign a paper containing conditions for denouncing cultism, which includes; anyone that returns to cultism will be arrested and prosecuted, members of the public should henceforth restrain from referring to them as cultists.
