Niger-Delta Avengers Ultimatum To Danjuma, Atiku, Others Expires Today
Niger Delta Avengers base not in Egbema—Ukori
As group asks Buhari to forget Tompolo and develop Niger Delta
By Emma Amaize & Perez Brisibe
WARRI—THERE is anxiety in the Niger Delta as the two-week ultimatum given
owners of oil blocs in the region by Niger Delta Avengers to evacuate their
staff and shut down operations ends today, while secret talks with the militant
group have run into a hitch.
The militant group in a statement by its spokesperson, Col Murdoch Agbinibo on
May 12, gave the former Minister of Defence, General Theophilus Danjuma (retd),
former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and other declared oil bloc owners
two weeks to shut down operations or have themselves to blame.
Meanwhile, alleged talks between the Federal Government and an intermediary of
Niger Delta Avengers on how to end hostilities in the region by the militant
group have collapsed, while security agencies have allegedly concluded plans to
infiltrate the meeting of Ijaw youths today in Warri to take a collective
position on the Niger Delta Avengers.
A security source told our reporter: “All security operatives in the country
are currently on their toes following security reports that the Niger Delta
Avengers has promised to resume hostilities after the expiration of its
two-week ultimatum.”
Niger Delta Avengers not based in Egbema
This came as the people of Egbema ethnic nationality in Warri North Local
Government Area of Delta State have refuted media reports that the new militant
group, Niger Delta Avengers has its base in Egbema Kingdom, saying there was no
iota of truth in the said publication.
Egbema people in a statement by Mr. Jude Ukori, yesterday, said whoever, said
the base of the Niger Delta Avengers was in Egbema Kingdom should identify the
location.
He noted that despite the fact that they were not getting benefits politically
and economically from successive government as a major oil producing kingdom,
they will never resort to unlawful acts.
According to him, “The author of the story could have at least mentioned one of
the communities in Egbema Kingdom where such a base was situated. Since he
failed to mention any, the publication was a wild allegation generated by
criminals and mischievous persons in an attempt to drag the good name of Egbema
people to the mud.”
Also, Niger Delta Peace Movement in Delta State, has urged President Muhammadu
Buhari to disregard the accusation by self-acclaimed whistle blowers that
ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, was behind the Niger
Delta Avengers and explore a pragmatic solution to develop Niger Delta.
Buhari being misinformed
A statement by its president, Mr. Tonfa Cyprian, said: “These informants are
misinforming Mr. President out of hatred for Tompolo and their bid to curry
favour from him for their personal aggrandizement, but Mr. President can end
the resurgence of militancy if he makes development of the region his priority.
“From careful observation of the pattern of attack by the militants’ on oil
installations, it is obvious that it will be very difficult to contain their
operations with force because they are very conversant with the terrain. The
weapon to use is not force but development.
As group asks Buhari to forget Tompolo and develop Niger Delta
By Emma Amaize & Perez Brisibe