N/Delta residents panic as soldiers, militants prepare for showdown

Sylvester Idowu, Warri - 07.01.2008

THERE is palpable tension in the Niger Delta following the expectation of a showdown, any moment from now, between soldiers and militants in the region.

The tension, according to the Nigerian Tribune investigations, is anchored on the threat by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) to attack all military checkpoints and roadblocks in the region.

Residents of the region, particularly Delta State, are now living in fear because of a series of attacks recently carried out by militants in the neighbouring Rivers State in which many people were killed.

The Joint Task Force (JTF) in Effurun had warned that its officers and men were ready to crush the militants whenever they carried out their threat.

The special security outfit put in place to checkmate the activities of hoodlums in the region gave the warning in a statement released to newsmen in Warri while reacting to threats by members of MEND.

According to the statement signed by JTF Public Relations Officer, Major Omale Ochagwuba, “our troops have been on the alert to respond to any threat that may arise from any quarter.”

It added that “those issuing the threat should be ready to face the consequences of their planned action. JTF is poised to crush any attack launched against its troops.”

The special security outfit advised the people not to panic but to go about their normal business “as we are equal to the task. The JTF was deployed to Niger Delta primarily to restore law and order and protect life and property.

“This is a task the outfit has been carrying out well and will continue to do so.”