Emma Amaize
26 September, 2011, Sweetcrude, WARRI- THERE was alarm in Warri, Delta State, weekend, over unconfirmed reports that members of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, had infiltrated the oil city to wreak havoc.
The State Police Command had, last week, following threats by the group to attack Lagos, Delta, Anambra and other cities in the southern parts of the country, spread its intelligence monitoring network, while the Delta Waterways Security Committee, DWSC, Warri, also placed its men on the alert.
But an unsubstantiated report that Boko Haram members were already in Warri sent some residents scampering for safety. However, security agents who were contacted denied the report.
The position was corroborated by a nongovernmental organization, the Niger-Delta for Credible and Visionary Leadership, NDCVL, which said in a statement, yesterday, that its findings showed that the rumor of the purported arrival of Boko Haram in Warri and environs was not true.
The group in a statement signed by its national president, Mr. King-jerry Prebor urged all residents of Warri and environs to go about their normal businesses without fear, adding, “The NDCVL had been making contacts with its numerous members and with a specific message to them that every member should endeavor to know who his next neighour is. So far, reports received across from Warri and environ by indicated there is no trace of Boko Haram”.
It, however, called on the security agents to check the rapid influx of some northern youths who are virtually everywhere in Warri as motor-cycle (Okada) riders, pointing out that it could be used as disguise.
The NDCVL also urged northerners living in Warri and environs to go about their legitimate businesses without fear if their conscience is clear, adding, “It is on record that Niger Delta people and the North from the days of the late Tafawa Balewa and Major Isaac Adaka- Boro had had a cordial relationship and there is no reason why we cannot maintain the tempo now that the leadership of the country is between President Goodluck Jonthan and Vice -President Namani Sambo”.
Prebor charged Niger-Delta indigenes in government, both at the state and federal levels, to look inwards and refocus their plans towards development of the region, as they could be the worst enemies of the people if they failed to take advantage of the situation.
