Delta Pipelines Vandalization: Itsekiri Leader Raises Alarm Over Threat To Life

An Itsekiri leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Ayiri Emami, has raised the alarm over an alleged threat to his life by unknown persons suspected to have masterminded the multiple attack on oil and gas installations around Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area (LGA) of the State.

Mr. Emami was joined by the commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Major-General Okunlola during the inspection the oil pipelines vandalized by suspected loyalists of  wanted ex-militant, Government Ekpemupolo (AKA Tompolo), at Egwa II, Warri South-West LGA. The APC leader has claimed that the strong stances he has taken has led to death threats against both himself and his family.

"Since the incident,I have been receiving death threats because of my campaign against the vandalization of pipelines by these unscrupulous elements as well as illegal oil bunkering, which has led to pollution and destruction of ecological lives in various communities in the region.

"These disgruntled elements have been threatening me because they know I am a viable voice in the region and the only one who would stand up against their illicit deals in the Delta Waterway including the sabotage of oil and gas pipelines that has destroyed our economy and the entire Niger Delta environment,” Mr. Emami said.

However, the APC stalwart vowed to remain undeterred in his efforts to assist security agents in finding the criminal responsible for the pipeline vandalization. He also noted that it was obvious that those who carried out the vandalization had carried out the attack in protest based on its timing.

Meanwhile, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) known as the Warri Peace Monitors has commended the visit of the Federal Delegation led by Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and top military brass to the scenes of the pipeline vandalization in Delta State on Tuesday.

The group, in a statement issued by the group’s Chairman, Albert Ebikoro, believes the visit will no doubt deepen intelligence on the immediate and remote causes of the recurring vandalization of oil facilities, illegal bunkering, as well as the subsequent despoliation of the environment.

The visit, the group maintained, is very necessary to create a lasting solution to this type of crime.  The issue is especially pressing given the other problems facing the nation including, falling oil prices and the value of the naira, and the unrest in the NorthEast and SouthEastern parts of the country.

"It is our prayer and a call to all to join hands to assist President Muhammadu Buhari's APC-led Federal Government in its efforts to restore our eroding political and economic stability," the group said.