Following the tragic killing of a police officer in Amarata community, Comrade Gifted Natus, a prominent youth leader and indigene of the area, has launched a campaign “Operation Set Amarata Free” aimed at tackling the rising tide of cult-related violence and restoring peace.
The officer, identified as Oboh Goodluck, was fatally shot on August 19 while attempting to purchase medicine in Amarata.
Eyewitnesses reported that gunmen accosted him, stole his mobile phone, and then shot him dead. This brutal incident has left residents fearful and intensified calls for urgent action.
The unveiling of the initiative took place during a peace walk organized by community leaders, youths, and residents under the leadership of the Paramount Ruler, Chief Sam David.
The walk was a public declaration that cultism and criminality will no longer be tolerated in Amarata.
Comrade Gifted Natus emphasized that the campaign targets all cult groups and criminal elements, regardless of whether they are indigenes or outsiders.
“We are starting from within. Anyone involved in cultism or criminal acts will face the full weight of the community,” Natus said.
Chief Sam David issued a stern warning to notorious cult groups including Greenland, Iceland, and Bobos, ordering them to vacate the community immediately.
“Amarata is no longer a safe haven for criminals. Traditional authorities, youths, and security agencies will work together to restore peace,” he declared.
Youth President Comrade Izibeya Excel pledged that the community would carry out house-to-house operations to identify and expose offenders.
“We are tired of killings, intimidation, and fear. The days of silence are over,” Excel stated.The peace walk was marked by chants and placards bearing messages such as “Say No to Cultism” and “Amarata Must Be Free”, signaling the community’s unified stand.
The leadership also called on law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, and neighboring communities to support their efforts to ensure lasting peace and security in the region.
