Niger Delta militants

Niger Delta Avengers, the militant group that has claimed responsibility for destruction of oil installations in the oil producing region of Nigeria in the past few months has denied meeting with Ibe Kachikwu, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.

The Minister has been visiting parts of Niger Delta to meet with militant groups and community leaders as part of efforts to stop attacks on oil installations which have reduced Nigeria’s oil production by nearly 50 per cent. Pictures and stories had indicated that the Minister on such visit to Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State met with representatives of Niger Delta Avengers.

There were also reports that the group was represented in a meeting between Governor Ifeanyi Okonwa of Delta State, the Minister and some militant groups.

But in a statement titled “Niger Delta Struggle is not for Political Thugs” issued by its spokesperson, Brig. Gen Mudoch Agbinibo, the NDA denied meeting with the Minister.

“We condemn its entirety the continuous linking of the Niger Delta Avengers to any meeting in Delta State Government in Asaba with Minister of State for Petroleum Resources,” the group said in a statement.

The group also did not spare those who met with the Minister, describing them as political thugs and agents of APC whose only interest was to secure contracts to secure pipelines.

“We are watching with keen interest the unwholesome activities of the political thugs and agents of APC to undermine the Niger Delta struggle in the likes of Mr. Ayiri and gangs.

“Few days ago, he and his group were parading, regrouping, rebranding and re-arming defunct Ex-MEND and settled Militants leaders discussing pipelines, oil and gas facilities contract in Edo State Government house.

“Today he and his co-travelers are in delta state Government house, the Itsekiri Militants leader with community leaders and unfortunately branding them as representatives of Niger Delta Avengers for self-gain and political survivals.

“We have never missed words in telling the whole listening world that the Niger Delta Avengers will not be part any dialogue deal that will not bring about “ the peace of our time; but we want a peace with honour” as such we could not be a party to any meeting with the likes of Ayiri Emami and his co- travelers that that are ready to kill and trade for the interest of pipeline, oil and gas facilities contract from the Government to bloat their pockets and urge fantasies,” the group said.