Thursday

Niger Delta Militants declare war against human rights, environmental and social activist, Bernard Endokakpo Julius

Published: Saturday, July 8, 2023


Niger Delta Militants declare war against human rights, environmental and social activist, Bernard Endokakpo Julius

By Michael Umukoro

Niger Delta Militants in the Niger Delta Area in Nigeria have declared war against a human rights, environmental and social activist, Bernard Endokakpo Julius


 Bernard Endokakpo Julius

The dreaded Militants who are known for their various violent and criminal activities in the Niger Delta publicly stated that they are at war with Bernard Endokakpo Julius and that they are going to kill him any time they were able to catch him.


Fiery leaders of the group, General Endurance Amagbein and General Ogun Boss during interviews with Journalists, stated that Bernard Endokakpo Julius has been writing against their activities, thereby, causing the Nigerian government to go after them. He disclosed that some of their boys are presently being monitored by security agents in Nigeria as a result of the articles written against them by Bernard Endokakpo Julius


He noted that Niger Delta is their home, hence, no one should dare them on how they control the area. He warned anyone who is against their activities in the Niger Delta like Bernard Endokakpo Julius to wait for their wrath. He boasted that they are going to kill Bernard Endokakpo Julius and destroy everything concerning him and his family.


When contacted, the leader of Okuama Community where  Bernard Endokakpo Julius hails from, Pa Edwin Mukoro, in tears said that the militants have made the community uncomfortable for them as they continued to invade the area in search of Bernard Endokakpo Julius. He said that the case was reported to the police but nothing was done to arrest or stop the Militants from their threats against Bernard Endokakpo Julius.


At the time of filling this report every effort made to reach Bernard Endokakpo Julius failed as he was reported to have ran away for his dear life. 

Bernard Endokakpo Julius is a seasoned Environmental and Social  activist, who is ensuring  a fair, equitable society for all through his articles and other write ups.

SENATOR NDOMA EGBA DECLARES WAR AGAINST ONYEMAKI FAMILY AS TRUCK CRUSHES WIFE, SIBLINGS TO DEATH

Published August 20th, 2023

SENATOR NDOMA EGBA DECLARES WAR AGAINST ONYEMAKI FAMILY AS TRUCK CRUSHES WIFE, SIBLINGS TO DEATH

       By Akintola Almed

War has been declared against Mr. Onyemaki Afule and his entire family in Owa-Alizomor Community in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State, following the Friday fatal road accident which claimed the life of wife of the former Senate Leader to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Victor Ndoma Egba, former Senator, Cross River Central Senatorial District in Cross River State.

                                Ekele Onyemaki

                                  Favour Onyemaki


         Egba’s wife who is  identified as Mrs. Amaka, her two children alongside five others lost their lives in the accident which involved four vehicles with about eight people injured.

       According to sources who spoke with Ika Weekly Newspaper Reporter on the condition of anonymity, "The vehicles involved in the crash were Mr. Onyemaki's Truck, a commercial Toyota Avensis, a Honda car and one Toyota Coaster belonging to the Sports Centre of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, AAUA. 

       "The accident was caused by the Truck Driver, Mr. Onyemaki Afule. He rammed into the vehicle where the Sen. Victor Ndoma Egba's wife and her two children were traveling with.

       "Immediately the fatal accident happened, we started looking for the truck driver we taught maybe he escaped the scene and ran to the police station for fear of being killed by the youths around premises, unknown to us that he ran all the way from Ore-Okitiputa Road in Odigbo Local Government Area of Odo State where the accident occured that very moment to hid in his village in Delta State leaving his Identity Card and Driver's License in the car, "he said.

      Newsmen also learnt that since the death of the Senator's wife, Mr. Onyemaki has been into hiding, until he and his wife were murdered in cold blood on Tuesday morning in Delta State by unknown gunmen.

      Speaking with newsmen, an uncle to the late Onyemaki, Mr. Monday Afule said that ever since he lost his Cousin, Onyemaki and his wife, the life of his children, Favour and Ekele has been in danger. He said this because many people have been harassing and threatening to kill them the way their father died, " he concluded.

       It was gathered that the late wife of the former Senate Leader, was being conveyed in a Toyota Coaster bus, belonging to the Sports Centre of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba, Akoko from Benin to Igbokoda, in Ilaje Local Government area of the state.

      The occupants of the ill-fated bus, according to one of the sources, were on their way to a burial programme at Igbokoda.

      It was gathered that the truck first hit the two cars before crushing the coaster bus into the bush.

      Four persons including Amaka Egba, were said to have died in the bus while three others died in the two cars that were first hit by the truck.

        Confirming the accident, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ondo State, Mr Ahmed Hassan,confirmed the accident.

       The Sectors Commander, however, said that only four persons, three females and a male died in the accident.

        He also disclosed that eight other persons were critically injured and taken to Pima Hospital, Ore for treatment.

       Also speaking, the Head of Public Relations, Media and Protocol of AAUA, Mr. Victor Akinpelumi, said the only information he had, was that a Coaster bus of the institution, on official assignment, was involved in an accident.

       Meanwhile, as at the time of filing this report, two of the children of late Mr. Onyemaki Afule, Favour and Ekele were nowhere to be found as the entire members of their family have gone into hiding place over threats to their lives.

Wednesday

PRESIDENT TINUBU’S FIRST ANNIVERSARY IN OFFICE AND SIGNALS FROM NDDC

 PRESIDENT TINUBU’S FIRST ANNIVERSARY IN OFFICE AND SIGNALS FROM NDDC

 May 29, 2024

PRESIDENT TINUBU’S FIRST ANNIVERSARY IN OFFICE AND SIGNALS FROM NDDC

By; Jerome-Mario Utomi

History has it that during World War 1, a particular American Psychologist eager to contribute to war efforts, adapted Binet’s intelligence test for the US Army as an inexpensive way to differentiate among large numbers of recruits.  This was reportedly the first large-scale use of intelligence testing on a group of adults, and it suggested that this school-based test could predict performance in nonacademic situations.

This account recently came flooding while ruminating on efforts of the present Federal Government to chart a course and pilot the holistic development plan of the nation, and the Niger Delta region in particular.

Without doubt, it will be convenient for many to argue that Nigeria is not at war; that what the country is celebrating is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s led Federal Government one year in office, which is miles different from the referenced American situation and, therefore, calls for no such critical test or analysis.

Well, the above argument, beautiful as it sounds, may not, in the opinion of this piece, hold water when faced with embarrassing facts. For me, periodic employment of systematic assessment to situate the merit, worth and significance of an administration, via a criterion governed by a set of standards is not only apt but eminently desirable. Objective assessment is globally likened to a pendulum which swings to any direction.

With these points highlighted, the piece will focus on its core concern-which is the recent signals from the Niger Delta region.

For a better understanding of where the piece is headed, Niger Delta region belongs to the geographical locations that have over the years suffered infrastructural shortage, environmental devastation and protracted socioeconomic failures.  The region is not also insulated from scenarios and practice where successive administrations formulate and apply policies based on the situation of the prevailing economy and its effects on the people; where most of the policies by past began on promising note but regrettably ended up doing more harm to Nigeria and Nigerians.

However, to carry out an enquiry into how the present government has contributed to the development of the region, it is pertinent to begin by examining, and review different initiatives and policies recently made by the Niger Delta Development Commission, an agency under the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, charged with responsibility of facilitating the rapid and sustainable development of the Niger Delta into a region that is economically prosperous, socially stable, ecologically regenerative and politically peaceful.

All available data shows that the most profound decision by Mr. President to have the region developed was visibly signposted in his early constitution of the agency’s board and management.

Aside from the fact that the board and management as constituted were filled with young but well foresighted Nigerians, another observation by our mind’s eyes is that the agency’s leadership within this short period under review have sufficiently removed the veil of doubt and convinced Niger Deltans. critical stakeholders and of course the international community that NDDC is no longer an agency that only exists in frames but has graduated from ‘transaction to transformation’.

As noted in a previous but similar piece, it is not as if past administrations in the country did not, at different times and places make efforts to address the region’s challenges. But noble as those efforts were, considering the level of underdevelopment in the region, such effort appeared too insignificant and short of what is required to carter for the region’s development and more particularly, remains a far cry from what was needed to exorcise the ghost of youth unemployment in the region. This ugly narrative persisted in the face of concerns raised by the global community who were chiefly not convinced that what now rested administrations were doing was the best way to solve the problem of the region.

More specifically, it is equally important to underline that it has not been easy for the present leadership to stop the region from going through all pangs associated with rebirth to enthrone true development in which all Niger Deltans will sustainably enjoy modern infrastructure and a healthy environment.

But there is an exception here, as there will always be an exception!

Unlike the past experiences, the present NDDC’s board and management, ably backed by the Presidency and the Niger Delta ministry, have, in the last few months of its existence, crafted people friendly projects, programmes and initiative which include, namely; Building Partnerships, Lighting Up the Niger Delta region, Sustainable Livelihood, Improved Youth Capacity and Skills Base, Efficient and cost effective projects,  Project Hope for Renewed Hope, Carbon Emission Reduction, Stakeholder Engagement, Effective and Professional Workforce, Improved Peace and Security among others.

The above action/step has not only made a whole world of difference but partially explains why stakeholders are happy and the region peaceful.

Again, aside from the fact that the new governing board and management have to their credit, a well-established healthy relationship with critical stakeholders within the region and beyond, also worth underlining and of course, a lesson other agencies and Commissions must imbibe, is the frantic efforts to put the Niger Delta region in order via human friendly programmes such as; youth empowerment, human capital development and democratized infrastructural provisions.

SEE ALSO: THE NEW DAWN AT NDDC By; Jerome-Mario Utomi

Worthy of mention are the recently commissioned ‘big tickets projects executed by the NDDC; The N8.3 billion 132kv transmission line and a 132kv/33kv sub-station in Ondo communities after 15 years without electricity.; the 27.35km Ogbia-Nembe Road in Bayelsa State, a joint project of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Shell Nigeria Exploration Company, which features 7 bridges, connects 14 communities in both the Ogbia and Nembe Local Government Areas. The award of scholarships to 200 successful candidates from the region to pursue Master’s Degrees overseas, a programme which of course is an important component of the agency’s human capital development that seeks to use education to change the fortunes of the region, among others.

Very key, NDDC’s solutions to youth unemployment and development of climate for sustainable future and innovation will assist promote the critical thrust of governance and maximize the benefits citizens derive from governance.

Talking about youth unemployment in Nigeria, a report recently captured it thus: “We are in dire straits because unemployment has diverse implications. Security wise, large unemployed youth population is a threat to the security of the few that are employed. Any transformation agenda that does not have job creation at the centre of its programme will take us nowhere”.

Finally, as the nation celebrates, it is equally an open secret that randomly, it has not been an easy road for Nigerians. It has been a rough and tumble ride, yet Nigeria and Nigerians are marching forward.  What this tells us as a people is that The President should graciously redouble his efforts in saving the economy and life chances of Nigerians!

 

God bless Nigeria!

WE WORKING TO END INSECURITY IN IKA LAND – Okubor,

 WE WORKING TO END INSECURITY IN IKA LAND – Okubor,

 May 11, 2024

KIDNAPPING; WE ARE WORKING ROUND THE CLOCK TO END CRIMINALITY IN IKA LAND, – Dr. Okubor, President General, Ute Okpu Kingdom

…. Says situation not that complex

…. Admits Possibility Of Internal Collaborators

…. Argues That Constitution Recognizes Free Movement but Not for Criminals

…. Insists Ika Nation Will Fight These Criminals With every strength It can muster.

 

For the good of people of Ika nation of Delta State that have been facing serious security challenge particularly kidnapping, allegedly orchestrated by the Fulani herdsmen, there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel as His Excellency, RT Honorable (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori led Delta State Government is proactively working in collaboration with the men of the Nigeria Police Force, Members of the Nigeria Military, Local Vigilante groups,  Ika Traditional Rulers and leaders of thoughts to end kidnapping in Ika Land as well as bring the perpetrators to book.

The above indication emerged through Dr. Festus Okubor , the President General (Ute Okpu Kingdom, Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta, during a telephone chat with Ika Weekly Newspaper’s Special Officer, on Wednesday May 8, 2024.

According to Okubor, the government is on top of the situation. Everything is being done, and at this point in time, I’ll love to encourage our people because some of the things I heard was that people are scared to go to the farm.

In his words, we need to let our people know that the situation is not that complex. Everything is being done. They should not be scared of going to their farms and living their normal lives. We are not quiet; authority is not quiet. The police are not quiet. We will support them. We will defend them. We have no magic wand that stops a person from becoming a criminal, but we will make sure that any criminal that comes into our domain, will be fish him out.

Lamenting the heinous activities of these criminals masquerading as herdsmen, Dr. Okubor, who is also the Chief Strategist to Governor Oboreivori stated that Ute-okpu can be described as the epic-center of issues of kidnapping in Ika land.

‘They have found their way into our area, They have done a lot of unspeakable things. But, at some point, I said to some people that these hoodlums were coming to our communities as if they were going to look for snails which are usually done in the mornings and evenings. They will come in the morning and in the evenings.

Asked about the practical steps the state is taking to arrest the situation, Okubor responded; we are doing everything in our power to bring this to an end. But first, we must understand the nature of the threat. Where do they go? What route do they follow? The people they catch, where do they take them? How long does it take them to get to where they are going? How many times do they stop? You must have intelligence when dealing with the enemy. We gathered all the information and spoke with the government and we decided to confront it head on.

Giving details of how hydra-headed the challenge has become, the medical Doctor turned politician narrated how he went for a funeral ceremony recently, and in the field, there were about 50 Fulani, Niger, Hausa, Cameroon women and children, harassing everybody and begging for money in the same Agbor.

‘First of all, begging is not our culture. And if people are going to come to live with us, they must respect our culture. The painful part of it was that many of us (Ika indigenes) were complacent about it. They saw these things going on and nobody raised a voice. And I said, how come? The first thing I need to point out here is that the responsibility to stop this nuisance is on everybody. Everyone in Ika must stand up to ensure that there is no potential for these parasites.

He argued that Nigerian Constitution allows free movement of citizens from one point to another but the constitution does not allow free criminal movement. What we’re seeing here is free criminal movement.

On the possibility of internal collaborators, Dr. Okubor thus responded; That is the reason why I started from the insider complacency. If you have studied crime, there is no serious crime without an insider. The bible also tells us that man’s enemies are they of his own household. These are known positions of culture. So, obviously, there are internal collaborators. We are also praying and hoping that we will be able to find them. And when we find them, our culture will take place’. For example, all our traditional rulers are placing curses.

Having said this, I’m also happy to announce that the government has helped us. They have sent mobile police men who now join us to patrol the flashpoints.  When we patrolled the railway lines, we found out that the railway is a major geographical positioning for them. They hide around and when it’s daylight, they come to the railway again. That also is being monitored. So, we have had this challenge and our responsibility is to do everything we can, to stop them quickly

‘And our people have been walking towards that direction too confronting these criminals. Unfortunately, very recently, we lost the head of our vigilante group. May his soul rest in peace. He died for all of us to be saved and we can ever forget that. The community has decided to immortalize him; the community has offered to take full responsibility for his burial’.

But the good thing is that while we were combing the forests recently, we found the corpse of one of the kidnappers, which means that the bullet got them, and that should put some fear into them. What we intend to let the criminals understand is that Ika land is not a good place for them. These are criminals of the worst form and we will tackle them with every strength the Ika nation can muster. He concluded.

Notice* We are looking for our daughter, Aria Onyeka.

Friday, March 15, 2024

 *Notice*

We are looking for our daughter, Aria Onyeka.



Please anyone that found her or has any useful information about her whereabouts should call:07059758572 or report to the nearest Police Station in Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria.


Signed: John Stephen Family.

Saturday

Gay act: Imudia Endurance Onyeka, John Asiwe declared wanted.

 Published: Saturday, February 10, 2024

Gay act: Imudia Endurance Onyeka, John Asiwe declared wanted.             


By Uche Iweka

The duo of Imudia Endurance Onyeka and John Asiwe have been declared wanted by both the Nigerian Police and  Agbor Community for engaging in gay practice.
         Imudia Endurance Onyeka    and.     John Asiwe 

 The embattled Imudia Endurance Onyeka and John Asiwe  have also suffered many serious threats from members of the public for engaging themselves in gay practice. 


Imudia Endurance Onyeka was caught in the gay act alongside his partner, John Asiwe, on February 3, 2024 in a hotel in Agbor, Delta State. Their abominable gay practice was revealed by a staff of the hotel who mistakenly gained entrance into their hotel room and saw them engaging in the illicit practice. Men of the Nigerian Police who quickly arrived the hotel after a distressed call were not able to effect any arrest as Imudia Endurance Onyeka and John Asiwe narrowly escaped before their arrival.

                                       

However, Ika Mirror Correspondent in Agbor  reliably gathered that Imudia Endurance Onyeka, though married has been a gay and that informed the reason why he should be penalized for indulging in such abominable practice.

It's on record that gay or same sex practice  is an abominable act and also, a criminal offence in Nigeria and anyone caught in the act is liable to 14 years jail term and also, a death sentence in line with the traditions of the Agbor people of Delta State, Nigeria.

Meanwhile,our reporters made attempts to get comments from Imudia Endurance Onyeka and his partner, John Asiwe but, no success was achieved as their phone numbers were switched off. When further steps were taken by the reporters to visit Imudia Endurance Onyeka at his Agbor residence they were told by his neighbours that he had gone missing owing to the continued humiliation and serious threats to his life.

A popular leader in the community, Mr Ndidi Ijenwa revealed that the Chief Priest of Offor Shrine has declared that Imudia Endurance Onyeka and John Asiwe must be killed for defiling the land. He noted that the death penalty on Imudia Endurance Onyeka and John Asiwe was to appease the gods of the land. He  declared that there will be no going back in the  decision of the community so that the land will be cleansed according to their native law and custom.


 The embattled Imudia Endurance Onyeka and John Asiwe  have also suffered many serious threatsfrom members of the public for engaging themselves in gay practice. 


Imudia Endurance Onyeka was caught in the gay act alongside his partner, John Asiwe, on February 3, 2024 in a hotel in Agbor, Delta State. Their abominable gay practice was revealed by a staff of the hotel who mistakenly gained entrance into their hotel room and saw them engaging in the illicit practice. Men of the Nigerian Police who quickly arrived the hotel after a distressed call were not able to effect any arrest as Imudia Endurance Onyeka and John Asiwe narrowly escaped before their arrival.


However, Ika Mirror Correspondent in Agbor  reliably gathered that Imudia Endurance Onyeka, though married has been a gay and that informed the reason why he should be penalized for indulging in such abominable practice.


It's on record that gay or same sex practice  is an abominable act and also, a criminal offence in Nigeria and anyone caught in the act is liable to 14 years jail term and also, a death sentence in line with the traditions of the Agbor people of Delta State, Nigeria.


Meanwhile,our reporters made attempts to get comments from Imudia Endurance Onyeka and his partner, John Asiwe but, no success was achieved as their phone numbers were switched off. When further steps were taken by the reporters to visit Imudia Endurance Onyeka at his Agbor residence they were told by his neighbours that he had gone missing owing to the continued humiliation and serious threats to his life.


A popular leader in the community, Mr Ndidi Ijenwa revealed that the Chief Priest of Offor Shrine has declared that Imudia Endurance Onyeka and John Asiwe must be killed for defiling the land. He noted that the death penalty on Imudia Endurance Onyeka and John Asiwe was to appease the gods of the land. He  declared that there will be no going back in the  decision of the community so that the land will be cleansed according to their native law and custom.

Monday

Dreaded Reformed Ogboni Confraternity Cult Group Launches Attacks On Late Members Eldest Sons

 Published: March 15, 2024.

Dreaded Reformed Ogboni Confraternity Cult Group Launches Attacks On Late Members Eldest Sons

By Uche Iweka

                                 Mr. Amechi Oruebor


All is not fine at the moment in Agbor, Delta State as men of the dreaded Reformed Ogboni Confraternity have launched several attacks on the eldest sons of their late members.


The popular Ogboni cult group our reporters gathered have made life uncomfortable and difficult for families of their late members whose eldest sons have refused to succeed their late fathers in the Cult.


Speaking in an interview to Ika Mirror Newspaper on the condition of anonymity, some members of the affected families disclosed that the renewed Cult battle started in October, 2021 following the demands that the eldest son or any chosen son by a late member must succeed his late father .  Unfortunately, the breadwinner of Late Chief Michael Oruebor family (The Ozomo of Ogan Kingdom) by name  Amechi Oruebor  completely refused to join the Cult group as demanded by his late father nor take up his late father's traditional tittle in his community, declaring that he did not want to be associated with any  occultic group or traditional tittle.


 According to the family spokes person, the traditional tittle is a bait to get our brother into the occultic kingdom.


Also,during interviews with a  member of the affected family, he said,"We have been severally warned of the evils associated with cultism and we have fair knowledge of things they do from being indirectly involved due to our late father's involvement. I can tell you its not an easy road to travel. Our mother can testify to that after so many years of tears and regret that journey ends with our late father, Therefore, we will never allow our brother, Amechi Oruebor to journey on the same lane of family or self destruction. We know what we suffered in the last days before our father passed on, some of my siblings couldnt come home because it was rumored that my father needs the blood of someone to live again and we became even more afraid for our lives. When my father was battling with his life his second wife died. She died on June 16th, 2021 months later my father died on October 26th the same year, even my father's immediate younger sister died same month as my father, it took the grace of God to convince my siblings to come home when he passed on.   

 

In a similar vein, the fraternity occult is a  group of people who are hell bent on initiating their late members children and in some cases forces membership on people. When there is resistance,  lives will lost and the society just moved on without any justice done.  A case in mind was that of one Isaac who was brutally murdered in 2015 by uniformed men suspected to be federal agency and nobody was arrested and persecuted even when names were mentioned. 


Therefore, the family of Amechi Oruebor

are using this medium to cry out to the Nigerian Government to help protect their son from several attacks from members of the dreaded Reformed Ogboni Confraternity Cult Group".


The embattled family members added, "We cannot allow them that privilege. The Cult people  have been threatening hell but, we have reported the incident of the attacks to the police in Delta State Command, unfortunately, no serious action was taken. Therefore, for the safety of his life we further employ the good citizens and government of Nigeria to kindly come to the aid of Mr. Amechi Oruebor), so that similar incident that led to the lost of lives of some innocent citizens who were not willing to be initiated into this or similar occultic groups  will not happen to him. How can someone’s life be no longer safe in his own country? They queried..

Sunday

Scourge Of Dreaded Militants, Oil Theft, Vandalism, Insecurity In Niger Delta Area Of Nigeria

 Scourge Of Dreaded Militants, Oil Theft, Vandalism, Insecurity In Niger Delta Area Of Nigeria 


By Bernard Endokakpo Julius 

The Niger Delta Area in Nigeria comprises the states of Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom and Cross River. The area boasts of high deposit of oil and it's regarded as a very important part of Nigeria since it generates about 85 percent of the country's revenue. The clamour and agitations to develop the Niger Delta led to the creation of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC in the year, 2,000 by the administration of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. Unfortunately, more than two decades after its creation the area is heavily laden by insecurity, oil theft and oil pipeline vandalism. This ugly development is traceable to the unhealthy activities of militants who continued to hold sway in different communities in the area.


                                Bernard Endokakpo Julius


A number of militant groups operate in the area. Their members demand an improvement of the conditions in the region and protest against its environmental degradation due to oil exploitation.


Between 2006 and 2009, after the decline of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force (NDPVF), the most active militant group was the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND). MEND was an umbrella organisation whose political objectives have focused on demanding local control over oil resources and development of the region. The group has made use of kidnapping and car bombing with the aim of kidnapping of foreign oil workers, attacks against oil pipelines, oil bunkering.


Militancy in the Niger Delta which was caused by the combined activities of the oil producing companies and the government has created a state of insecurity in the region which has affected the Nigerian economy especially, the inflow of foreign direct investment which is needed for achievement of economic development. The struggle for oil wealth has fueled violence between ethnic groups, causing the militarization of nearly the entire region by ethnic militia groups, Nigerian military and police forces, notably, the Nigerian Mobile Police. Working on the way forward the Federal Government of Nigeria under the administration of late president, Musa Yar'Adua on June 25, 2009, granted presidential amnesty to militants who had directly or indirectly participated in the commission of offences associated with militant activities in the Niger Delta, and who were willing to surrender their weapons and renounce armed struggle within a 60-day ultimatum. The amnesty measure to a large extent helped to restore peace in the area for some years before it was hijacked by strong forces in the creek and government. Many people in the area now wallow in abject poverty and without any assurance of a bright future or security.



It will be recalled that the Niger Delta has experienced militant activities due to a combination of political, economic, social, and environmental factors. Some of the key causes include:


1. *Environmental pollution*: Decades of oil exploitation have polluted the region's waterways, destroyed livelihoods, and harmed the health of local communities.


2. *Economic marginalization*: Despite being the source of Nigeria's oil wealth, the Niger Delta remains one of the poorest regions in the country, with limited access to basic amenities and infrastructure.


3. *Political disenfranchisement*: Local communities feel excluded from the political process and decision-making, leading to frustration and resentment.


4. *Unemployment and poverty*: High levels of unemployment and poverty have created a sense of desperation among young people, making them more susceptible to militant recruitment.


5. *Ethnic and regional tensions*: Historical grievances and rivalries between ethnic groups in the region have contributed to the tensions and conflicts.


6. *Corruption and mismanagement*: Widespread corruption and mismanagement of oil revenues by government officials and oil companies have exacerbated the sense of injustice and anger.


7. *Lack of infrastructure and basic services*: Inadequate provision of basic services like education, healthcare, and electricity has further fueled discontent.


8. *Historical injustices*: The region has experienced a long history of exploitation and neglect, dating back to the colonial era, which has contributed to ongoing resentment and anger.


These factors have cumulatively contributed to the rise of militant activities in the Niger Delta, as local communities have sought to draw attention to their plight and demand justice and fair treatment.


Meanwhile, the Niger Delta had since been witnessing atrocities or violent acts and criminal activities committed by some former militants and other criminal groups in the area after the 2009 amnesty program.


Some of these atrocities include:

 Oil theft and illegal bunkering: The Amnesty program by the administration of late former president Musa Yar'Adua was to empower the warring militants and also, made them drop their guns and other weapons in other to bring lasting peace to the area. Unfortunately,  reverse was the case as almost all the militants who were awarded scholarship to study or acquire skills any where in the world later returned to the Niger Delta to be  engaging in high level of bunkering, illegal mining, drug business, kidnapping and killings. Some of these heartless militants are University Degree holders, and professionals in various vocations, unfortunately, they abandoned their professions not minding the huge amount in training them by government to engage in militancy where they have become monsters to their people instead of being a blessing to them. The heinous crimes of the Niger Delta militants had made the area to be one of the most dangerous spots in the world. They are involved in heavy lobbying for anything they seek to get and destroy anyone who stands their way in a twinkle of an eye.  


Kidnap and ransom: The militants kidnap for ransom which sometimes is up to hundreds of millions of naira. Any victim who opposed to ransom will pay with his or her life. Over time many prominent Nigerians including foreigners  have been kidnapped and huge ransom paid to the militants.


Armed robbery and piracy: These factors have also taken center stage by these dare devil militants who have completely gone out of government control. They have operated to the level of highjacking oil vessels and killings even in the Nigerian water ways.


Other atrocities by these unrepentant and blood sucking militants include: Pipeline vandalism, illegal arms trade, cultism and gang violence, killings and assassinations,  extortion and blackmail, Illegal refining and trade of petroleum products, environmental degradation and pollution. These heartless militants have accumulated massive wealth from their inhuman and illicit activities, to the extent that they hold sway in every sector of the Nigerian economy.They work with top security agencies in the country, including the military and top government officials to achieve their selfish goals. In the process, they engage themselves in all sorts of violence against any community, group or individual who is opposed to their evil acts. They have been several instances where communities in the Niger Delta were destroyed and people, including human rights activists killed by militants and government failed to fight back due to the enormous wealth the militants wield.


These activities have had severe economic, environmental, and human costs, affecting the local communities, the Nigerian economy, and the global oil industry.


The amnesty program was intended to disarm, demobilize, and reintegrate former militants into society, but some individuals and groups have continued to engage in criminal activities, undermining peace and development in the region.



The effects of militancy and oil theft in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria have been far-reaching and devastating. Some of the consequences include:


1. Environmental degradation: Oil spills and pollution have harmed the ecosystem, contaminating water sources and destroying livelihoods of communities dependent on fishing and farming.


2. Economic instability: Oil theft and militancy have disrupted oil production, leading to significant revenue losses for the government and impacting the national economy.


3. Humanitarian crisis: Communities have been displaced, and there has been a rise in human rights abuses, sexual violence, and forced labor.


4. Infrastructure damage: Pipelines, facilities, and infrastructure have been damaged or destroyed, hindering economic development.


5. Health impacts: Exposure to oil pollution has led to health problems, including respiratory issues and skin conditions.


6. Social unrest: Militancy and oil theft have fueled social tensions, leading to conflicts between communities and with government forces.


7. Underdevelopment: The region remains underdeveloped, with inadequate access to basic services like education, healthcare, and electricity.


8. International reputation: Nigeria's global reputation has been affected, making it challenging to attract foreign investment.


9. Increased poverty: The economic and environmental consequences have exacerbated poverty in the region.


10. Loss of lives: Militancy and oil theft have resulted in the loss of many lives, including those of civilians, military personnel, and militants.


In conclusion, addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that involves government, international support, and community engagement to resolve the underlying issues driving militancy and oil theft in the Niger Delta Area in Nigeria.


Finally, the Nigerian government should as a matter of urgency start arresting these militants who after they were granted amnesty, trained in different professions and vocations became became monsters and blood suckers. After effecting their arrest by security agencies they should be prosecuted for going against the Federal Government Amnesty Accord. They should all be prosecuted alongside their collaborators. 


*Bernard Endokakpo Julius is a seasoned social and environmental activists, who is ensuring that there is a fair and equitable society for all. He is from Okuama Community, in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State.

Wednesday

OGBE KINGSLEY RUNS FOR DEAR LIFE AS DELTA PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION TURNS BLOODY

 

OGBE KINGSLEY RUNS FOR DEAR LIFE AS DELTA PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION TURNS BLOODY


 Youth Leader of the People's Democratic Party, (PDP) in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State, Mr. Ogbe Kingsley Agbor has run for dear life as the February 25th 2023 Presidential Election in Delta State turned bloody.

                           Mr. Ogbe Kingsley Agbor


        Ika Weekly Newspaper Reporter, as at the time of filing this report, learnt that Mr. Ogbe Kingsley Agbor who is a native of Otolokpo Community in Ika North-East, being the PDP Youth Leader in the Local Government, collected over Three Million Naira, (#3,000;000:00) from the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) in order to mobilize the PDP youths in the Local Government Area to vote for their Presidential Candidate, Mr. Bola Tinubu during the Election.

      It was also learnt that effort was made by Mr. Ogbe Kingsley Agbor and over 580 youths on the 13th day of February, 2023 to defect to APC after receiving the money from the opposition party and this led to the down fall of the People's Democratic Party during the Presidential Election.

                    The Defectors casting their votes for APC
    Front view of Mr. Ogbe Kingsley Agbor's burnt family house


      After the official announcement of the Presidential Election's results by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) the PDP Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and  his Vice Presidential Candidate, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi A. Okowa lost their election and because of this Mr. Ogbe Kingsley Agbor's family residential building in Otolokpo Community was set ablaze by some angry members of PDP in the State.

      His two colleagues, Hillary Okosome and Daniel Iwebubuka who joined him in the massive defection were killed in the evening of Tuesday, February 28 2023 and their lifeless bodies have been deposited in the Mortuary.

      Ika Weekly Newspaper Reporter also learnt that PDP Leadership in Delta State has declared war against Mr. Ogbe Kingsley Agbor by proclaiming to murder him wherever he apprehended.

      Police Officers were already on ground for proper investigations. Meanwhile, the whereabout of Mr. Ogbe Kingsley Agbor was still unknown to newsmen as at the time of gathering this report.