Niger Delta militants threaten to attack oil installations

Niger Delta militia group threatens oil installations over political dispute

A militia group from the Niger Deltaknown as the Niger Delta Development Force, has issued a stark warning that it will shut down oil facilities in the region if President Bola Tinubu does not intervene to stop the alleged undermining of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State by the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

In a statement released on Sunday by spokesperson Justin Alabraba, the group expressed outrage over claims that Wike is trying to manipulate the justice system to secure a judgment that could halt local government allocations to Rivers State. This ruling is expected to be heard in court on Monday, and the militia has vowed to take swift action if such a verdict is handed down.

“Our members will not hesitate to shut down oil installations if a judge in Abuja makes a decision that paralyzes local governments in Rivers State and deters them from serving their constituents,” the statement said. “We will respond decisively and target the major oil installations in the Niger Delta. Should President Bola Tinubu allow Wike to disrupt the governance of Rivers State local governments, we will retaliate by disrupting governance at all levels.”

The group expressed deep-seated frustration over the ongoing tensions, claiming that Wike has repeatedly insulted and intimidated Governor Fubara by using his federal resources. They stated that further harassment of Fubara would result in destructive actions against oil infrastructure, stressing that Rivers State is not under Wike’s control.

“For months, Wike has persistently attempted to undermine Governor Fubara, and we will no longer tolerate this,” the group warned. “If any verdict is passed that is detrimental to Rivers State, we will resort to bombing and destroying oil installations. This is not an idle threat; it is a firm promise. We’ve reached our limit. Wike and Tinubu can no longer take us for granted.”

The militia’s robust statements indicate a possible escalation of the ongoing political struggle within Rivers State, and highlight the fragile dynamics between local and federal authorities in Nigeria.