Rivers Emergency Rule: Tension Rises as Niger Delta Militants Convene, Plan Large-Scale Attack

Tension is escalating in Rivers State as militant groups in the Niger Delta reportedly convened in a secret location to plot attacks on oil facilities. This development follows the recent explosion at the Soku oil facility in Akuku Toru LGA, which marks the third such incident in less than a week.

The Youth and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) raised the alarm about the explosion, urging authorities to investigate the cause. The series of attacks on oil infrastructure comes amid President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

A classified report suggests that Niger Delta militant leaders are mobilizing for a coordinated offensive against federal assets in the region. Commander Bibi Oduku of the Riverine Security (Coast-Guard of the Federation) warned that these planned attacks could have a devastating impact on Nigeria’s economy, as the region remains the country’s major oil-producing area.

Oduku urged President Tinubu to reconsider the suspension of Governor Fubara, stating that the decision has escalated tensions. He also noted that criminal elements could take advantage of the situation, leading to further instability.

Despite the security threats, Oduku reassured the public that riverine security forces, alongside the Nigerian military, remain on high alert to prevent further destruction of oil facilities.

Call for Peace

Security experts, including retired Brigadier General Paul T. Boroh, have called on Niger Delta youths to avoid violence and seek dialogue to address grievances. Meanwhile, the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has been urged to conduct a joint investigation to determine the cause of the pipeline explosions.

With the growing crisis in Rivers State and the Niger Delta, all eyes are on the federal government’s next move as the situation unfolds.