Ex-militant leaders have distanced themselves from the serial bombings of oil and gas pipelines in the Niger Delta region, particularly in Delta State.
The former warlords from the six Niger Delta states said on Friday that none of them, including Chief Government Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo, were involved in the recent destruction of oil installations in the region.
The ex-militant leaders, under the auspices of the Leadership Peace and Cultural Development Initiative said unknown criminal elements, who were bent on causing disaffection between the region and the Federal Government, were behind the act.
The former creek warlords in a statement signed by their leader, Chief Reuben Wilson, said they were ready to partner with the government to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators.
Wilson, popularly known as ‘General’ Pastor, said, “What happened was not carried out by ex-militants. The world should not label the ex-militants with evil deeds. These attacks were carried out by criminal elements.
“Some people claim Tompolo did it but he has come out to clear himself. Tompolo is a man known for his words. If he is involved in such things, he will come out open to say it and give reasons. But he is not behind these recent attacks.”
Wilson, who said no ex-militant leader would send anybody to blow pipelines in the region, insisted that their investigations absolved Tompolo.
He added, “Ex-militant leaders from the Ijaw and Itsekiri extractions have come out to express concern over the direction the issue of the attack is heading.
“The era of violence is over in the Niger Delta and the ex-militant leaders cannot send anybody to blow pipeline.
“We call on the Federal Government to integrate the ex-militant leaders into the protection and surveillance of oil pipelines in the region.
“The ex-militant leaders have important role to play with their knowledge of the creeks and water channels. Because we don’t carry arms, we expect that such security job will involve the security personnel.”
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