Leaders of the Federated Niger Delta Ijaw communities on Sunday, said the 24 Filipinos being held in Delta State might regain their freedom this week.
The FNDIC leaders currently liaise between the militants under the aegis of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta and Delta State Government to facilitate early release of the expatriates from captivity.
It was learnt that officials of FNDIC, led by its President, Mr. Dennis Otuaro; Secretary, Mr. Paul Bebenimibo; and Spokesman, Mr. Keston Pondi, held fruitful discussions with a delegation of the state government, led by the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Ovie Omo-Agege.
The FNDIC facilitated the release of the hostages previously held by the militants in Delta State.
The Filipinos were abducted by suspected Ijaw militants from a cargo vessel owned by Baco Liner on January 10 at Chanomi Creeks in Warri South West Local Government Area of the state.
The militants also impounded the vessel containing oil equipment and other items consigned to Delta Ports, Warri.
The hostage-takers also made a four – point demand, which included immediate release of the former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyesiegha, and the leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force, Alhaji Mujarhedeen Asari-Dokubo.
They also sought payment of N1.5bn to Bayelsa Aborigines by Shell Petroleum Development Company as directed by the Court of Appeal, Port-Harcourt and the probe of the utilisation of the 13 per cent derivation funds by Governor Peter Odili of Rivers State and Governor James Ibori of Delta State.
The hostage-takers insisted that the expatriates would not be freed until the demands were met by the Federal Government.