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News Sport Weather World Service Languages Low Graphics version | Change edition About BBC News | Feedback | Help News Front Page Africa Americas Asia-Pacific Europe Middle East South Asia UK Business Health Science/Nature Technology Entertainment ----------------- Have Your Say In Pictures Week at a Glance Country Profiles In Depth Programmes LANGUAGES MORE > Last Updated: Thursday, 2 September, 2004, 12:46 GMT 13:46 UK E-mail this to a friend Printable version Sackings over Nigeria's oil war Armed gangs of militant youths roam the swamps and creeks The governor of Nigeria's River State has axed his cabinet after renewed violence in the oil-rich southern city Port Harcourt left seven dead. Gunmen walked into a restaurant on Tuesday night and opened fire, despite increased army and navy patrols after two weeks of clashes. Peter Odili cut short his leave to deal with the escalating militia war. Gangs vying for territory in the area are involved in the lucrative business of siphoning oil from pipelines. The governor said the gangs amassed sophisticated weapons to defend their illegal activities and usually targeted each other in their struggle for supremacy. "Unfortunately these dastardly acts often take place within the town and innocent citizens are caught in the crossfire," Mr Odili said, promising to do everything necessary to rout the militias. Political dimension According to the BBC's Sola Odunfa in Port Harcourt, people believe the gunmen were initially recruited, armed and funded by politicians to fight their opponents during the last year's elections. Anyakwe Nsirimovu, head of a local human rights group says the politicians have now lost control of their private armies because gang leaders had not received their promised pay-offs. Fighting for Nigeria's oil "The initial contracts which they reached [with gang leaders] were not fulfilled, and they are rebelling," Mr Nsirimovu told AFP news agency. However, Governor Odili said the gangs have always existed, but, he acknowledged that some people will go to all lengths to win elections. Several hundred people have fled the spiralling violence, most of which is taking place on the waterfront of Port Harcourt, the capital of Nigeria's oil industry. Shell, Nigeria's biggest oil producer, is in the process of moving its corporate headquarters from the commercial capital, Lagos, to Port Harcourt. This move is putting pressure on the state government to deal decisively with the militias, our correspondent says. Nigeria is Africa's biggest oil exporter, but the Niger Delta region - the centre of the country's oil industry - is one of the most underdeveloped areas of the country and is prone to violence. Sometimes armed militant youths kidnap oil workers and hold them to ransom for money. But most of the time armed gangs roam the swamps and creeks stealing crude oil from pipelines. E-mail this to a friend Printable version LINKS TO MORE AFRICA STORIES SelectSudan rejects Darfur peace forceExtra troops for Nigeria oil townMuseveni wins referendum appealS Leone election chief steps downGrim search after Uganda collapseForeign truckers released in IraqDR Congo rebel back in governmentEritreans jailed for plane hijackKenya seeks 'miracle baby' pastorSouth Africa gas blast kills fiveBotswana strikers 'being evicted'Baroness posts bail for Sir MarkBlast victim sues German agencyNigerians put down new roots in IrelandTransvestite trial the talk of NigeriaThe Maasai's century-old grievanceCan Blair save Africa from poverty?Do you have a story to tell?Send us your pictures of AfricaProgrammes and schedules  SEE ALSO: Nigerian troops patrol oil city 31 Aug 04  |  Africa Gun battles in Nigeria oil region 14 Jul 04  |  Africa Peace deal in Nigerian oil town 02 Jun 04  |  Africa Security sweep in Nigeria's Delta 31 May 04  |  Africa Nigeria head vows to find pirates 25 Apr 04  |  Africa Who benefits from Africa's oil? 09 Mar 04  |  Africa RELATED BBC LINKS: Network Africa RELATED INTERNET LINKS: Nigerian government The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites TOP AFRICA STORIES NOW Sudan rejects Darfur peace force Extra troops for Nigeria oil town Museveni wins referendum appeal S Leone election chief steps down News alerts | E-mail services | Desktop ticker | Mobiles/PDAs Back to top ^^ News Front Page | Africa | Americas | Asia-Pacific | Europe | Middle East | South Asia UK | Business | Entertainment | Science/Nature | Technology | Health Have Your Say | In Pictures | Week at a Glance | Country Profiles | In Depth | Programmes BBC Homepage >> | BBC Sport >> | BBC Weather >> | BBC World Service >> About BBC News | Help | Feedback | News sources | Privacy & Cookies Policy | About the BBC

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