Activists from the Niger Delta Environmental Justice Coalition staged a peaceful protest outside the Nigerian High Commission in London, demanding justice for Ikerete Udo, a field coordinator with Tantita Security Services Ltd., who was reportedly murdered by suspected oil thieves in the Niger Delta.
The demonstration, which included the submission of a formal petition, was led by Mrs. Busayo Charles, spokesperson for the coalition, who expressed deep sorrow over the brutal killing and accused oil bunkerers of orchestrating the attack.
“Udo was killed in the line of duty while protecting Nigeria’s oil pipelines,” Charles said, calling for a thorough investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators. She also urged the Nigerian government to provide financial compensation to the bereaved family.
“Nigeria is a just and fair country, and I believe justice will be done,” she added during her address at the protest site.
The petition submitted to the Nigerian High Commission stressed the urgent need for accountability and protection for individuals safeguarding the country’s vital oil infrastructure. It also urged the Nigerian Ambassador in the UK to escalate the matter back to Abuja, warning that failure to act could embolden further violence against security personnel.
In a broader call to action, the coalition demanded investigations into individuals allegedly involved in inciting unrest and coordinating media campaigns against High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), Chairman/CEO of Tantita Security Services, and Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
“These individuals must be probed for their possible roles in the region’s ongoing instability and criminal operations,” the petition read.
While commending Tantita Security Services for its support to Udo’s family following the tragedy, the group insisted that the Federal Government must play a more active role.
“He lost his life courageously protecting the nation’s oil assets. The least the government can do is support the family he left behind,” the statement added.
Mrs. Charles concluded by urging both Nigerian and international authorities to hold accountable anyone contributing to violence and criminality in the oil-rich region.
Officials of the Nigerian High Commission acknowledged receipt of the petition and assured the activists that it would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities in Nigeria for prompt action.
