The militants have also been accused of vandalising pipelines at Arepo in Ogun State and several attacks in the riverine areas of Ondo State.
Led by their leader, Ogailo Young, also known as OC, the militants deposited arms and ammunition at the Collection and Documentation of Arms Centre in Ajakpa community in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of the state.
Young who said the militants have decided to eschew violence and embrace peace said many of them were led to crime by joblessness and poverty.
He said, “If we are asked the reasons for embarking on our struggle, the simple answer is joblessness, suffering, poverty, oppression and neglect by the government.
“We did not find life easy. We relocated to Ogun State and the schoolboys in Government College, Igbonla, Epe, were kidnapped. Their release led to the present arrangement through the courageous efforts of the deputy governors of Ondo and Delta states. We did not kidnap these boys for mere ransom, but to negotiate our freedom and re-integration into normal life.”
He said they were in the business of oil bunkering but decided to be involved in kidnappings in order to attract government’s attention.
The Chairman of the state amnesty committee and Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi, said he was impressed by the turnout at the event.
“Looking at the sophisticated guns and ammunition surrendered, I am happy that they fulfilled their promise,” he said.
Mr Ajayi also said the Federal Government would fulfill its promise by providing employment and education, among others, to enable the former militants to be self-reliant.
Punch reports that Ajayi also assured the ex militants that the government would not attack the oil-producing areas of the state after the submission of arms and ammunition by the youths.