Niger Delta
Activist Raises Alarm Over N25m Bounty Placement On Him
A United Kingdom based Bayelsa State activist, Mr. Warmate Imgbi, has alleged that a Niger Delta Militant group, “Supreme Egbesu Liberation Fighters”, have placed a N25million bounty on his life following his continued criticism byof their activities in the oil rich region.
He alleged that trouble started when he condemned the latter’s activities connected to illegal oil bunkering and other nefarious acts in Bayelsa and neighbouring Delta States.
Imgbi in a Press statement said the Militants see his vocal environmental advocacy as a threat to their illegal and nefarious activities, and now seek to eliminate him.
The UK-based environmentalist noted that in recent months the militants have been tracking him via his verified X account where he has been highlighting the dangers of crude oil theft and unregulated refining in the Niger Delta region.
“A certain militant leader, ‘General Simple’, has been cyber-bulling me very often. He showed me images and reports of my condemnation of their illegal and hazardous environmental activities they’re engaged in in the Niger Delta region.
“I’ve said time without number that they’ve been causing environmental degradation, oil spills, and pollution of water sources which are affecting thousands of residents.
“They threatened me, saying I’ve been undermining their operations. Even moreso, recently my family members based in parts of Bayelsa State have previously suffered attacks, with their properties vandalised by armed men believed to be linked to the group.
“The Supreme Egbesu Liberation Fighters operate in the creeks of Bayelsa and neighbouring Delta States with a history of violent attacks and property destruction.
“In 2021, the Supreme Egbesu militants group had threatened to carry out attacks in Lagos and Abuja”, Imgbi said.
Meanwhile, The Tide which reached the Police Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, ASP Musa Mohammed, and his counterpart from the State’s Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Diri Ogbere, reports that the activist has not official briefed their commands of the alleged threats to his life due to his criticism of their illegal oil and environmental related hazards.
The duo, however, noted that their Commands in partnership with sister security formations have been working relentlessly to curb vandalism of national assets, especially oil and gas infrastructure, while also beefing security in the state to ensure the safety and protection of lives and properties of both citizens and the Government.
“Human rights groups have, however, called on both the Nigerian and UK governments to take immediate steps to ensure my safety. Illegal oil bunkering remains a thriving black-market trade in the Niger Delta.
“It causes massive economic losses to Nigeria and long-term damage to the environment”, the activist added.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa