“I have 5 children, 2 are in the university and I don’t have job” – Militant gives reason for kidnapping expatriates
The ongoing crisis in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria has become a somewhat plague on all administrations, with militants continuously posing a threat to the oil companies and expatriates operating in the region.
Incessant vandalism and kidnaps have been the major mediums of attack employed by the militants in expressing their grievances and dissatisfaction at the government and oil companies for “exploiting” the region and “not giving us jobs.”
“Because we don’t have jobs, that is why we are doing this dirty job,” was the halfhearted sympathetic explanation given by a leader of a militant group known as the “Black Devils” in a rare video obtained by Al-Jazeera.
This is why the crisis in the Niger-Delta region cannot be solved with guns and force. The need for serious dialogue cannot be ignored. pic.twitter.com/qriECcjc0T
— Eta U. ?? (@royaltyuso) November 20, 2016
In the heart-wrenching clip, the leader of the group explains he has been left with little or no option than to engage in militancy so as to be able to cater for his family.
“You come to exploit here and you don’t want to employ we, that is the major reason why we are doing this,” the militant said to an expatriate who wanted to know why he was being kidnapped.
“We target people like you. I know if I kidnap you, I will get much money for myself.
“At least 50million naira. I use the money to buy ammunition and speed boats and the rest to take care of our families.”
The group’s leader also sought to explain his precarious situation to his victim.
“I have five children, two are in the university and I don’t have job. How do I train them, how do I feed them, how do I pay my house rent.”
“Anybody, any expatriate and company that is coming to operate here, if you don’t settle with us you won’t operate,” he threatened.
This clip proves how much work the Federal Government has on its hands to do, and combating these aggrieved militants with force doesn’t look like the best solution. Dialogue appears to be much more important in getting the militants out of the creeks, as it appears many of them are only on a race for survival.
It is an indictment on the failed system in the country, and until the Nigerian government begins to show seriousness in setting things right, militancy in the region quite sadly, does not have an end in sight.
