Niger delta crisis kumuyi calls peace

You're referring to the Niger Delta crisis and Pastor William Kumuyi's call for peace. Here's a brief summary:

Background: The Niger Delta crisis refers to a series of conflicts and protests in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, which began in the 1990s. The crisis was sparked by environmental degradation, poverty, and marginalization of the local population, particularly the Ogoni people. The conflict involved various militant groups, including the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), which demanded greater control over the region's oil resources and better living conditions.

Pastor Kumuyi's call for peace: In 2009, Pastor William Kumuyi, the General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, called for peace in the Niger Delta region. At the time, the crisis was at its peak, with frequent attacks on oil installations, kidnappings, and violence against civilians. Kumuyi, a prominent Nigerian cleric, urged the warring parties to lay down their arms and seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Key quotes: In a statement, Kumuyi said:

"We are calling on all parties involved in the Niger Delta crisis to sheathe their swords and seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict. We believe that violence is not the answer, and that dialogue and negotiation are the only ways to resolve this crisis."

"We urge the government to listen to the grievances of the people of the Niger Delta and to work towards a lasting solution to the crisis. We also urge the people of the Niger Delta to remain calm and peaceful, and to avoid any actions that could exacerbate the situation."

Impact: Kumuyi's call for peace was widely reported in the Nigerian media and was seen as a significant intervention in the crisis. While the conflict did not immediately cease, Kumuyi's statement helped to shift the focus towards peaceful resolution and dialogue. In the years that followed, there were efforts to address the root causes of the crisis, including the establishment of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to oversee development projects in the region.

Overall, Pastor Kumuyi's call for peace in the Niger Delta crisis was an important moment in the conflict, highlighting the need for non-violent resolution and the importance of dialogue in addressing the region's complex issues.