A militant group, the Niger Delta Rescue Movement (NDRM), has issued a warning to the federal government, threatening to attack oil installations in the Niger Delta if Rivers State’s allocation is not released. The group also called on non-indigenes living in Rivers State to leave immediately, claiming that hostilities are about to begin.
A video circulating on social media on Thursday showed at least eight armed militants, carrying AK-47 rifles and other weapons, in an undisclosed forest location. They were chanting war songs, including “asawana, asawana,” a popular Ijaw slogan.
One of the militants, who appeared to be the group’s leader, accused certain lawmakers of trying to destabilize Rivers State and pave the way for a state of emergency.
“We, the Niger Delta Rescue Movement, wish to express our deep concern regarding the recent developments in Rivers State that threaten the smooth governance of our beloved state under the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara,” the militant leader said.
Militants Condemn Lawmakers’ Actions
The group strongly condemned the 27 lawmakers, led by Martin Amaewhule, who issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Governor Fubara to present the 2025 state budget. The militants described the ultimatum as a “coordinated effort to incite chaos and potentially lead to an impeachment or state of emergency.”
They called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and stop the alleged interference of Minister Nyesom Wike and his allies in Rivers State’s political affairs.
“We call on President Tinubu to immediately put a stop to the actions of Minister Nyesom Wike and his associates, whose intent is to drag Rivers State into an avoidable crisis,” the group’s leader said.
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Threat to Oil Installations
The militants warned that if the federal allocation owed to Rivers State is not released, they would take “decisive action,” including targeting oil production facilities.
“If Rivers State cannot receive its rightful share of federal funds, we will have no choice but to hit oil production,” the leader declared.
They further argued that Rivers State contributes significantly to Nigeria’s economy and should not be denied its rightful resources.
“We can’t generate money into the Federation Account and not have our own share. Our workers deserve their salaries, and our government needs the necessary resources to carry out essential development projects,” they said.
Evacuation Warning to Non-Indigenes
The group also issued a direct warning to non-indigenes residing in Rivers State, urging them to leave for their safety as the crisis could escalate.
“We urge all non-indigenes in Rivers State to consider their safety and leave the state promptly. We cherish the safety of all residents and urge a peaceful resolution to this crisis. Enough is enough!” the militants declared.
They insisted that Rivers State deserves peace and development and called on leaders to prioritize the progress of the region rather than political conflicts.
Background of the Crisis
The conflict in Rivers State escalated after the Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling that ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria to withhold the state’s federal allocation. The judgment also validated Martin Amaewhule’s faction as the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly.
Following the ruling, the Amaewhule-led House gave Governor Fubara a 48-hour deadline to present the 2025 budget, which expired at midnight on Wednesday.
As tensions continue to rise, residents and stakeholders are anxiously watching to see how the federal government will respond to the militants’ threats.