Activists from the Niger Delta Environmental Justice Coalition took to the streets of London, the United Kingdom, to demand justice for Ikerete Udo, one of the coordinators of Tantita Security Services Ltd., who was brutally murdered by individuals believed to be involved in oil bunkering.
In a petition submitted to the Nigerian High Commission in the UK, one of the activists, Mrs Busayo Charles, expressed outrage and sorrow over Udo’s violent death, which was attributed to the rampant oil theft and sabotage in the region.
She called for immediate action from the Nigerian government to bring those responsible to justice.
“Udo was killed in the line of duty while protecting Nigeria’s oil pipelines,” Mrs. Charles stated during the petition submission to the Nigerian Ambassador.
She urged the embassy to pressure the Nigerian government to investigate the murder and provide compensation to Udo’s bereaved family. “Nigeria is a just and fair country, and I believe that justice will be done,” she added.
The petition emphasised the need for accountability, stating, “We call on the ambassador to impress upon the Nigerian government the importance of investigating this heinous act and prosecuting those responsible. It is vital to deter future violence against those safeguarding Nigeria’s vital oil assets.”
Furthermore, the coalition demanded that several individuals be held accountable for their alleged roles in inciting unrest in the Niger Delta.
The coalition urged the Nigerian High Commission to collaborate with Nigerian authorities to investigate those involved in the ongoing unrest and criminal activities in the Niger Delta.
In their petition, the coalition commended Tantita Security Services for compensating Udo’s family, while also calling on the Nigerian federal government to provide additional support. “He lost his life courageously protecting the nation’s oil pipeline from thieves. The least the government can do is offer financial support to the family he has left behind,” the petition stated.
“It is important that those inciting violence and criminality are held accountable, both in Nigeria and on the international stage,” Mrs. Charles concluded.
The embassy acknowledged the group’s peaceful demonstration and assured them that their petition would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities in Nigeria.
