Jane Otu, South South
DAILY COURIER - The Movement for the Sustainable Development of the Niger Delta (MSDND) has raised concerns over an alleged plot to blackmail prominent ex-militant leaders and accuse them of planning to disrupt peace and attack oil installations in the region.
The advocacy group specifically named High Chief Bibopere Ajube, also known as “Shoot At Sight,” King Ateke Tom, the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, Chief Ebikabowei Victor-Ben (General Boyloaf), and Alhaji Mujahid Asari Dokubo, among others, as the targets of this alleged scheme.
The MSDND claims that the conspiracy is being orchestrated by certain dubious oil surveillance contractors and individuals involved in illegal crude oil theft, aiming to cover up their activities and distract from global exposure.
Speaking on behalf of the group, its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Kelvin Orughoe, urged President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to disregard the blackmail and launch an investigation into those spreading the allegations.
“These reputable sons of the Niger Delta region have significantly contributed to peace and stability in the area. Since accepting the Presidential Amnesty deal, many of them have shifted focus to educational and business pursuits while their accusers remain in the creeks committing illegal acts under the guise of surveillance jobs,” Orughoe stated.
Orughoe pointed out that the last recorded threats against oil assets came in 2016 from the defunct Niger Delta Avengers, whose members are well-known to security agencies.
“The Federal Government should investigate the Niger Delta Avengers and hold them accountable for any security infractions or attacks on oil assets. These individuals are using false accusations to cover up their own illegal activities,” he asserted.
He also highlighted remarks by former MEND Secretary-General, Comrade Jude Gbaboyor, who allegedly has footage exposing these schemes. According to Orughoe, these revelations have prompted desperate attempts to tarnish the reputation of respected Niger Delta leaders.
The MSDND also linked the blackmail attempts to the fallout from a protest by civil society groups at the United Nations Headquarters in December 2024. The protest reportedly drew international attention to human rights abuses in the Niger Delta by hired surveillance contractors.
“The desperation to divert attention from these issues has led to this baseless blackmail. No reasonable Niger Delta leader or youth is interested in jeopardizing the peace of the region,” Orughoe concluded.
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