BUJA — Nigerian President Friday formally received the first set of 32 Niger Delta militants who have surrendered their arms under an amnesty he offered them in June and commended them for their "patriotism".
"This is the opportunity to give good life to the youth of Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta area that can boast of youth who can contribute to the nation-building," he said at the ceremony in the banquet hall of the State House.
"(The) government is concerned about development in the Niger Delta but we cannot do it in the midst of crisis. Thank you for the courage and patriotism in laying down your arms," he said.
Yar'Adua had last June 25 declared an unconditional amnesty for all militants who lay down their arms.
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