Buhari begs Niger Delta Avengers to stop attack

– President Buhari begged militants to stop their attack – He noted that they had weapons similar to Boko Haram – The president said the economy was greatly affected by the activities of the militants President Muhammadu Buhari has sent a strong plea to members of the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) to stop the havoc on oil and gas pipeline in the country. The militant group has claimed responsibility for series of destruction on oil facilities in the Niger Delta region and has vowed to continue with the attack until zero oil is produced in the region. Vanguard reports that President Buhari on Friday, June 24 pleaded with the militants in God’s name to stop their attack. The activity of the militants has reduced the production of oil in the country thereby affecting it economically. Also, the destruction of gas pipeline has also affected the provision of electricity in Nigeria. The president noted that many militant groups were operating in the region and that some of them were armed with sophisticated weapons similar to what Boko Haram was using in the north east. He also noted that the economy was badly affected by the activities of the militants. Meanwhile, former militant leaders in Bayelsa state condemned the activities of the Niger Delta Avengers and other groups in the Niger Delta region, saying it was in no way aimed at advancing the interest of the people. The ex-militant leaders led by General Africa Ukpariasa, General Pastor Reuben and the current local government caretaker committee chairman, Joshua Maciver issued a statement after a meeting with presidential adviser on Niger Delta, Paul Boroh‎; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu; the Bayelsa state governor, Henry Seriake Dickson and other stakeholders in the state.