Militants List Conditions for the Release of American Hostages

  Ijaw group identified as Egbema 1 in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta state (in the Niger-Delta) has claimed responsibility for the abduction of four American oil workers in the state two weeks ago and gave conditions for their release. The American workers of Global Offshore International, an oil servicing company to Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), were seized at the company’s Okan oil field in the state by militants alleged to be Ijaw youths who stormed the vessel occupied by the expatriates and some indigenous workers at about 11.30pm in 12 speedboats.
  A source revealed that the kidnappers complained that the Ijaw of Egbema were being marginalized in the area of employment by Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and their service companies operating in their domain. They said they would no longer accept the alleged marginalization and asked the oil companies, which they also accused of neglect of the area, to provide employment for them. The kidnappers also accused the state and Federal Governments of under-developing the Egbema Kingdom, saying government should come up with its development plans for the people.
  The governor-elect of the state, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, is, however, believed to be working underground to secure the release of the hostages. Dr. Uduaghan had contacted some Ijaw leaders from Egbema area to find out the grievances of the boys and ensure the release of the oil workers without much ado.
  Surely, violence and unrest have come a long way in the Niger-Delta region and it all boils down to one singular issue; the fact that people of an area that provides the nation with tremendous wealth do not see themselves as direct beneficiaries. High level of both human and infrastructural development must be achieved within the Niger-Delta. Though this is a project that will take time to accomplish, the people must see concerted efforts on the side of the Nigerian government on the one hand and the operational oil companies within the region on the other.

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