No Amnesty for Ombatse Cult- Al-Makura

Governor says Ombatse must face justice.

The Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura has ruled out amnesty for the dreaded Ombatse cult group.

The governor affirmed this while speaking to journalists on Thursday in Abuja.
The Ombatse, a militia group largely made up of Eggons, is accused of killing about 60 security operatives at Alakyo, Lafia Local Government Area, in May.

Mr. Al-Makura said that granting amnesty to the group would amount to preempting the work of the Judicial Commission of Enquiry set up by the state government.

The governor, who had also appeared before the Commission to give testimony on his knowledge of the group, was reacting to what he described as misrepresentations credited to him during his lecture at the Institute for Security Studies in Bwari.

It was alleged, from his lecture, that Mr. Al-Makura planned to give amnesty to Ombatse.
“As a matter of fact, I feel very worried by this misrepresentation because nothing can be farther from my views. In fact, myself and my administration are bent on bringing to book criminals and perpetrators of the dastardly act in Alakyo,” he said.

“I insist that these criminals must be fished out and they must not be left unpunished. We are waiting for the commission of enquiry to finalise its sittings. I will like to assure all and sundry that this government is focused and consistent on our search for peace and justice; justice must be done for people  who have been offended.”