By Zik Gbemre

This is to draw the attention of the Presidency and relevant Security Authorities about a reiterated ‘security threat’ issued Sunday (17/07/16) via online media outlets by the same faceless, illegal new militant group(s) to bomb the Utorogu Gas Plant and other oil and gas assets/facilities in upland areas of Urhobo kingdom, Delta State, unless their demands are met by the Federal Government.

It will be recalled that some few weeks ago, a so called new militant group, Utorogu Liberation Movement (ULM) which pledged allegiance to the Niger Delta Avengers, and another so called Niger Delta Black Emancipation Force, had in their separate statements; threatened that they will blow up the Utorogu Gas Plant and other oil and gas assets/facilities in the upland areas of Urhobo area unless Government attends to their demands. Then just about a week after these threats were issued, youths numbering over 200 and said to be from outside the host communities concerned and Delta State, were seen gathered at Iwhrekan Primary School at Ughelli South LGA, Delta State.

Though, 18 of the said youths were apprehended (while the others fled) by Iwhrekan Community youths and handed over to the Police and subsequently charged to court, and they have been remanded in prison by the court, however, we have every reasons to believe that all of the above ‘threats’ and the development that followed are all connected.

As such, they pose as security threats to the integrity of Federal Government and JV partner’s oil and gas assets/facilities in the Utorogu areas and upland areas of Urhobo nation. The following three Communities – Iwhrekan, Otor-Udu and Otu-Jeremi in Udu/Ughelli South LGAs, Delta State, are host to the Utorogu Gas Plant Phase 1 while Iwhrekan Community is sole host to the Utorogu Gas Plant Phase 2 (aka Utorogu NAG 2) Project. And the three host communities and their locals have a cordial relationship with the oil and gas operators in the said area – which include: NPDC, ND Western Ltd and MAKON Engineering & Technical Services Ltd. Hence, the said ‘security threats’ are coming from outsiders. To this end, we strongly advise that Security presence should be beefed up in and around these stated Gas Plants in Utorogu areas and the entire OML 34 areas as well.

These security threats, though, coming from faceless and illegal new militant groups, should not be taken for granted or treated with kid-glove. But should be taken seriously and given the needed attention. It is better for Security Operatives to be prepared and alert to prevent these threats from manifesting rather than being taken unawares.

Zik Gbemre, JP.

National Coordinator

Niger Delta Peace Coalition (NDPC)