Six militant youths suspected to belong to one of the groups that destroy oil wells and platforms, were yesterday paraded by the Eastern Naval Command in Calabar, as they were accused of planning to blow up oil platforms belonging to Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited at Mkpanak, Ibeno in Eket Local Government of Akwa Ibom State.
The youths numbering about 15, invaded one of the platforms with the intention to destroy it, but were rebuffed by the battle-ready officers of the Nigerian Navy who were alerted on time and they were able to arrest the situation.
Those arrested were Oke Azeez, Samuel Eyo (Hon), John Cyril (suspected to be their ring leader), Emmanuel Bassey (Elder), Samingo Etuk Akpan and Nsim Eduok (Elder). After the parade, the six suspects were immediately taken by Military Chopper to Abuja.
Briefing newsmen after the parading, Commanding Officer of NNS Victory, Captain Benjamin Akinwale Coker, said the attempt to blow up the oil platform was a follow up to their forceful invasion of Mobil off-shore platform located at Edop about 25 nautical miles into the Atlantic Ocean.
According to Captain Coker, the incident occurred on Sunday and attempts made to dissuade the youths by Mobil Management failed on deaf ears as the restive youths became more hostile and violent, leading to the apply of force by the Navy occasioned by the directives from the Flag Officer of the Command, Rear Admiral Sunday Lawal Baje who approved of the use of military force on the youths.
Baje directed Officers and men of NNS OLOGBO to the scene of the incident to effect the arrest of the militants, said Coke, who also explained that the suspects were handed over to the relevant authorities for necessary action after being in custody NNS Victory for two days.
The Commanding Officer revealed that preliminary investigation confirmed that the militants have a case to answer and expressed displeasure with the economic sabotage activities of some youths in the Niger Delta.
May42006