New warning of escalation of Nigeria crisis

摘要

Paris-A leader of the 14 million-strong Ijaw community in Nigeria's Niger Delta warned November 3 the crisis in the region could escalate if the government refused to deal with the fundamental issues plaguing the impoverished region, home to the country's multibillion-dollar oil industry. "At present, we cannot rule out more attacks. If the boys are told to put away their guns, what is the alternative for these idle youths?" said Ijaw Monitoring Group coordinator Joseph Evah. "The military cannot protect oil installations and companies from people who are angry and tired of living like animals. The boys will not put away their arms until their demands are met and they want their leader Asari released," said Evah, a former associate of militia leader Dokubu Asari who is presently on trial in Abuja for treason.