Panic in Niger delta as ultimatum expires

The secret talks with the militant group
have run into a hitch, says sources. 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 deuclared 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.”
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.