Ylva Emeka-Okereke
2 July 2008
Lagos — President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua has been urged to adopt the carrot and stick approach to tackle Niger Delta insurgency.
A security expert and President of Association of Industrial Security and Safety operators of Nigeria, Dr. Ona Ekhomu, who made the call in Lagos said while the carrot will be used to reward genuine agitators in the troubled region, the big stick should be wielded against terrorist, kidnappers, pirates and armed robbers that make life unsafe in the area.
He said the region must regain its idyllic calm and pristine beauty, stressing that government must create conducive environment, where economic development could thrive in the region.
"This elemental property of insecurity is almost as old as the republic.
Political agitation started in the region in 1965. But recently hundred criminals have hijacked the laudable political cause, which was aimed at developing the region and bringing benefits to its people.
This beautiful region, which is richly blessed with huge hydro carbon deposits has become polluted and totally neglected. The air, water, land and a delicate ecosystem have been polluted with frequent oil spills and unethical oil mining practices perpetrated by foreign and local oil companies," he said.
According to him, the entrance of the criminal elements into the region has resulted in massive arms-build up in the area, wanton violence, murderous piracy and perfidious acts such as kidnapping for ransome, killings and destruction of oil mining equipment.
His words, "Acts of terrorism are now rife in the region. Use of explosive devices is now common place in the region. Cult violence disrupts the security of major cities."
Ekhomu, however, decried the situation, where five policemen were murdered in an attack on a police station in Bonny Island, Rivers State, by armed robbers.
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