Iduwini Volunteer Force, a freedom fighting group has alleged that the violence in the Niger Delta were being sponsored by major oil firms in the region.

The group made the allegations in a statement signed by its coordinator, Johnson Biboye and sent to the Federal Government through the National Security Adviser, Maj-Gen. Babagana Mongunu (retd.).

He said the firms use violence to intimidate indigenous contractors who have worked for them but refused to get paid.

The statement also said an indigenous oil servicing company has refused to pay contractors over $10m for services rendered.

He said, “This unconscionable and wicked act was meted to these contractors despite the successful and qualitative execution of various projects.

“Ninety per cent of the workforce of these companies are not only indigenes of Niger Delta but as of today have been drafted into supporting nefarious activities that is adding to the insecurity in the region.

“We took this upon ourselves to make a case for these indigenous contractors who have suffered deliberate frustration from the oil company to recover their money.

“We believe that if they are paid, some of the young men who are now foot soldiers of several militant groups will have no cause to continue with such unholy alliance and the contractors will be free from incessant attacks from banks and other creditors.”

Azeez