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| Africa: Subsaharan |
| Nigeria militia violence threat |
| 2005-09-21 |
| Separatists in Nigeria's oil-producing Niger Delta region have threatened to sabotage oil installations as they call for the release of their leader. Mujahid Dokubu-Asari, head of the Niger Delta People's Volunteer Force, was arrested in Port Harcourt on Tuesday. Mr Asari's group seeks more control of oil resources for the Ijaws, the biggest group in the Niger Delta. Last year the group contributed to a sharp rise in world oil prices when it threatened war against oil companies. A statement issued by the Niger Delta People's Volunteer Force on Wednesday warned of "grave mayhem" if Mr Asari were not released within a specified deadline. "If word has not been received from our leader, all state agencies, oil companies and their agents should cease functioning in their Niger Delta flowstations and related facilities must be shut down," the statement read. The group warned all oil company staff to leave the Delta region. Mr Asari's supporters demonstrated in Port Harcourt overnight, demanding his release. Police told the BBC that Mr Asari was being taken to the Nigerian capital, Abuja. The Niger Delta remains one of Nigeria's poorest and least developed regions, despite being a major oil exporter. |
| Posted by:Steve |