The 15th batch of ex-militants numbering 1,500, the highest single figure, have started receiving lectures at the Federal Government Amnesty rehabilitation Camp at Obubra, Cross River State. The batch which comprised mainly, ex-militants from Bayelsa State reported at the camp on July 30, 2011, shortly after the departure of the Batch B corps members posted to the state who had their orientation in the camp.
The camp Commandant, Major Fredrick Anisa (rtd) told newsmen at the camp that “this batch of militants are well behaved, perhaps their peers who have been in the camp have told them the success of the programme and its benefits. Major Anisa said so far, none of the ex-militants had defaulted in camp instructions and rules, and were participating well in all camp activities and routine.
The commandant said that the camp which was undergoing a face lift, had the capacity to contain any demands of the ex-militants.
As a demonstration of the commitment of the Federal Government to the success of the Amnesty programme. “The Special Adviser to the President on Amnesty, Mr. Kingsley Kuku came here and promised to provide recreational facilities for the trainees in addition to those that existed before and he is doing just that as the football field and the basket ball pitch are right now being constructed and the next few days, they would be ready for use”, the commandant said.
He disclosed that the programme would be two years in October and plans were afoot to have a celebration that would befit the huge success and impact the programme had achieved so far.
A trainee, Tobon Ebi who said he came from General Don’s Camp, said that they were happy with what was going on in the camp and called on the federal government to keep to its promise and rehabilitate them by assisting them to either acquire skill or education.
“The programme is good, we like it but let the government keep to its promise of either sending us to school or helping us to acquire skill”, he said.
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