On June 25, 2008, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua proclaimed an unconditional presidential amnesty for all Niger Delta militants, in what the Federal Government called a “bold and pragmatic step” toward lasting peace in the oil-rich region.
In a proclamation signed at the State House, Abuja, Yar’Adua said:
“I hereby grant amnesty and unconditional pardon to all persons who have directly or indirectly participated in the commission of offences associated with militant activities in the Niger Delta”.
The amnesty follows months of violent attacks on oil installations between 2004-2009 that slashed Nigeria’s monthly oil revenue from $2.2bn in 2008 to $1bn by July 2009.
However, he listed conditions that must be met before amnesty can be granted, which are: militants must hand over all weapons, ammunition and equipment at designated collection centres in each Niger Delta state, affected persons must sign an oath of renunciation of militancy within 60 days.
He also declared that the proclamation takes effect upon surrender and ceases Sunday, Oct 4, 2009, citing that the pardon extends to all persons currently being prosecuted for offences linked to militancy.
President Yar’Adua said the offer was predicated on militants’ willingness to “give up all illegal arms and completely renounce militancy in all its ramifications unconditionally”.
38 Feared Dead as Gunmen Strike Fadan Karshi, Nandu in Kaduna
On June 25, 2014, no fewer than 38 persons, including women and children, were killed in separate attacks on Fadan Karshi and Nandu villages in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The attacks, which occurred on different days, sent shockwaves through the southern Kaduna community and renewed calls for stronger security in the region.
Sources said armed men stormed the two villages, firing indiscriminately at residents before setting houses ablaze. Most of the victims were said to be women, children and the elderly who could not flee fast enough.
Community leaders confirmed the death toll and said several others sustained injuries while many residents fled to nearby towns for safety. Food stores and homes were also burnt in the raids.
Sanga LGA has been a flashpoint of communal clashes over the years, with residents repeatedly demanding increased security presence from both the state and federal government.
The Kaduna State Government and security agencies condemned the killings and promised to fish out the perpetrators. As at press time, no group had claimed responsibility.
