By Tare Youdeowei

FOLLOWING the threat by Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, to resume bombing of oil installations in the Niger Delta region, the Paramount Ruler of Ogulagha Kingdom, Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Joseph Timiyan, has said the Federal Government’s neglect of oil producing communities will continue to fuel agitations in the Niger Delta.

The threat issued by Avengers to resume hostilities had heightened tension among residents and companies as the military has taken over the creeks to quell breach of peace and attacks on Federal Government assets.

The Ijaw monarch, who spoke, weekend, in Warri, Delta State, said: “Regrettably, it is the oil producing communities in Niger Delta that are being marginalised and underdeveloped and not the entire Niger Delta region. However, the oil producing communities must protect oil facilities in their environment and never allow outsiders to come in to attack the facilities.”

“The crisis and agitations in the region may linger because the federal government is being deceived and misled by politicians that are not from oil producing communities. Let me advise the agitators that this is not the  time for destruction of oil pipeline, but rather, it is a time for the right people (leaders of oil producing communities) to lead or take charge of the negotiations with the federal government on the development of oil producing communities in Niger Delta.”