The Ijaw Youths Council, IYC, has condemned the rising insecurity in the Niger Delta which has led to loss of lives and called on President Muhammadu Buhari to take over on-going peace talks.

In a statement by the IYC Spokesman, Eric Omare, in Yenagoa on Friday, the youth group noted that the insecurity in the region is rapidly deteriorating and seem to be getting out of control.

The group condemned the reported cases of attacks and killing of soldiers and civilians, and the destruction of oil facilities in Ogbeinbiri, Bayelsa State and Forcados export line, Delta state. The statement called on President Muhammad Buhari to personally take over the Niger Delta peace process to ensure that peace returns to the region.

“We in strong words condemn this senseless killing of soldiers and civilians that were working in the houseboat. We condemn this act of wickedness as it would only complicate an already delicate security situation. The IYC is of the view that to make the process effective and produce the required result, President Buhari must personally take charge and provide leadership.”

The youth group also called on the governors of the Niger Delta states to work together with community and youth leaders in the region to seek ways of returning peace to the area.

The IYC also passionately called on the Niger Delta Avengers and other militant groups and individuals to give peace a chance as the continuous bombing of oil facilities is not in the interest of the Niger Delta people.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige has directed banks, insurance and financial institutions to suspend the on-going retrenchment in the sector.

This is contained in a statement made available to the media in Abuja on Friday.

He said the directive must be complied with pending the outcome of the conciliatory meetings in the industry.

The Minister said that the decision was based on the fact that the continued retrenchment in the financial sector was jeopardising the outcome of the mediatory processes undertaken by the ministry.

“All the retrenchments and redundancies done in the last four months, and all proposed ones should be put on hold pending the outcome of the proposed stakeholders’ summit for the banking, insurance and financial institutions’ employers and employees, slated for the first week of July 2,’’ the statement read.

President Muhammadu Buhari has met with former President Olusegun Obasanjo behind closed doors at the statehouse in Abuja on Friday, June 3, 2016.

Reasons for the visit and details of the meeting were not known as at press time, but sources say it may not be unconnected with recent developments in the Niger-Delta region of the country where a new militant group, the Niger Delta Avengers, has been blowing up oil and gas installations leading to a huge drop in the Nation’s crude oil production.

President Buhari on Thursday called off his planned visit to River State to flag off the UNEP recommended cleaning up of Ogoniland. There were speculations that the visit was cancelled due to rising tension over renewed attacks by militants. Buhari was represented at the historic event by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

Former President Obasanjo had a running battle with militants during his tenure between 1999 and 2007.

The Nigerian Senate has directed the Executive to immediately commence the remediation of Shikira community in Niger State and other communities affected by lead poison in Nigeria.

The motion which was moved by David Umaru, Senator representing Niger East Senatorial District,, was supported by all the senators, many of whom lamented the negative effects of illegal mining on the environment and the health of Nigerians.

Senate President, Bukola Saraki also agreed with the motion and asked the Executive arm of government to release intervention funds for the communities that were affected in order to reduce their suffering.

Twenty-eight children have reportedly died as a result of lead poisoning since 2015.

Troops of the Nigeria Military have continued their operation to clear Sambisa of any remnant of Boko Haram insurgents as troops of 202 Battalion of 21 Brigade ambushed and kill three insurgents between 1st and 2nd June 2016. One of the terrorist was arrested,

This was contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations Colonel Sani Usman.

The captured Boko Haram terrorist, Umar Mustapha, who claimed to have come from Sabsawa,   has been handed over to the Brigade Headquarters for further interrogation and processing.

In a related development, on Thursday, 2 June 2016, troops of 112 Battalion on patrol from Mafa to Dikwa were ambushed at Ajiri village, by Boko Haram terrorists, killing a soldier and injuring an officer and three soldiers.

The troops however successfully cleared the ambush, killing eight Boko Haram terrorists and recovering various arms and ammunitions including, 1 Rocket Propel Grenade,  AK-47 Rifles, 2  Rocket Propel Grenade bomb, 3 AK-47 Rifle Magazine and 120 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

The troops also discovered three Improvised Explosive Devices concealed by the edge of the road which were safely detonated by the Explosive Ordnance Device team.

The body of the late soldier as well as the injured ones was evacuated to 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital, Maiduguri.