It is war in the Niger Delta as militant group issues 14-day ultimatum to oil companies to vacate the region or face massive bombing.
Oil companies in Rivers State have been issued a new 14-day ultimatum to leave the state or face a massive vandalisation of their assets.
The latest threat was issued on Thursday by a group of former Niger Delta militants known as the Ekpeye Liberation Group. The group warned the oil companies, saying that failure to heed to the ultimatum would result in serious consequences.
The group which claimed responsibility for attacks on Well 5 in Akara Olu, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, said the ultimatum became necessary because of refusal by the oil companies to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Ekpeye communities.
In a statement signed by its spokesman, Obodo Obodo, the group said its warning was directed at Nigerian Agip Oil Company, Shell Petroleum Development Company, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas and Niger Delta Petroleum Resources.
The statement reads, “The Ekpeye Liberation Group, a forum of ex-militants and freedom agitators from the Ekpeye Ethnic Nationality in Rivers State (Part of the Niger Delta), is utterly disappointed with the conduct of the oil multinational companies operating in the area.
“In the light of their nonchalant, including lukewarm attitude to the massive killings and kidnappings of our people in recent times, the Ekpeye Liberation Group has been forced to issue a notice of eviction to all oil companies operating in Ekpeye territory and its waters.
“They (oil companies) are required to pack out of Ekpeyeland within 14 days, from Thursday 16th of June or face massive vandalisation of their assets. A stitch in time saves nine.”