Ex-militants from the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State staged a protest on Thursday against their exclusion from the Federal Government's Amnesty Programme, a situation they claim has persisted since 2017.

The protesters, representing multiple camps including the United Sea-wolf Avengers, Awaja Camp, Forest Soldiers, Big-fish Camp, Ogoloto Camp, Niger Delta Vanguard Camp, Aluma Camp, Ofaran Camp, and six others, expressed frustration over unfulfilled government promises despite their compliance with the amnesty terms.

Deji Ehinmowo, who led the protest, called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene directly in their situation, emphasizing their desire to be incorporated into the programme without interference from state government officials or other intermediaries.

"All we want is to be incorporated without any intermediary, either from the state government or anyone else, because we have already surrendered our arms and ammunition," Ehinmowo stated during the demonstration.

According to the protest leader, the ex-militants surrendered significant weaponry including Fiat Revelli Model guns, Colt Automatic rifles, Sango Scorpions, Dynamite Bitter explosives, bombs, grenades, over 400 pumping-action shotguns, and military uniforms as part of their commitment to the amnesty initiative.

"We did this amnesty simply because the federal government called us to do so, and we obeyed. But since then, up till this moment, the government is yet to fulfill its promises," he added.

Ehinmowo revealed that the group has sent numerous letters to security agencies, the state government, and federal authorities without receiving any positive response. He warned that if the situation remains unresolved, the ex-militants might be forced to take "drastic measures."

The 2017 Amnesty Programme reportedly included 4,300 participants from 14 recognized groups in Ilaje LGA and others in Ese-Odo, all of whom claim to have been neglected since surrendering their weapons and embracing peace.

The protesters specifically emphasized their opposition to political leaders potentially hijacking the programme, insisting on direct intervention from President Tinubu's administration to address their grievances.