Dozens of ex-militants, under the auspices. ‘Third Phase Amnesty’, on Tuesday stormed the NDDC office in Yenagoa to protest against their non-inclusion in the Federal Government’s amnesty programme.

The youths, who barricaded the entrance to the commission’s office on the Chief Melford Okilo Road, held staff of the commission hostage for over three hours.

The protest caused heavy traffic as vehicles and other road users were forced to make a detour, just as many residents around the vicinity stayed indoors to avoid possible outbreak of violence.

The National Mobilisation Officer of the group, Ebi John, told newsmen that the group was protesting the failure of the Federal Government to include the third phase ex- militants into the amnesty programme.

“We want the NDDC, Local Content Board and the Multinational Oil Companies to prevail on the Federal Government to consider the third phase ex-militants into the amnesty programme or we may be compelled to return to the creeks,” John said.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Fidelis Odunna, confirmed the incident.

Odunna said that the police got information about the protest and had since deployed a police to maintain order at the scene.

“We got information about the protest this morning. We learnt they are protesting an alleged stoppage of their monthly allowances. Presently, we are dialoguing with the boys to ensure an amicable resolution of the situation,” Odunna said.

The PPRO, who said the police, was on top of the situation, appealed to the ex-militants to shun violence and dialogue with the authorities to guard against breakdown of law and order.