Ex-militants hold Delta Deputy Governor hostage

ASABA—AGGRIEVED ex-militants, yesterday, held Delta State Deputy Governor, Professor Amos Utuama (SAN), hostage at Government House annex, Warri, over what they described as undue delay in the payment of their monthly allowances by the amnesty office.

The ex-militants numbering over 100, barricaded the entrance to the Government House, annex at 1p.m., insisting that they would not let the Deputy Governor leave until their demands were met or concrete promises made as to when their allowances would be paid.

It will be recalled that the ex-militants, last week Monday, blocked the East-West Road for hours on same issue of their monthly allowances not being paid when due.

Vanguard gathered that the ex-militants are demanding N1 million from each vehicle on the deputy governor’s convoy before they would let them go.At press time, the convoy was still being held hostage.

However, police and men of the Joint Military Task Force, JTF, were on ground to restore peace and order.

One of the ex-militants, who spoke to Vanguard on telephone, said they were not being fairly treated by the government, adding that “Christmas is here and we have nothing to give to our family.

“This act of insensitivity on the part of government must stop. Mr. Kingsley Kuku should resign if he cannot handle our issue properly.”The ex-militant, who did not want his name in print, alleged that Kuku was living well at their expense.
Vanguard