“Death, Oil, Power & Protest: 7 Niger-Delta Stories You Shouldn’t Ignore This Week”
By Passman Akpos
NIGER-DELTA WEEK IN REVIEW
December 8 – 13, 2025 | The Stories Shaping the South-South
From Bayelsa to Delta, Rivers to Akwa Ibom, the Niger-Delta stood at the center of Nigeria’s political, security, and economic conversations this week. If you blinked, you missed a lot. Here’s your complete South-South recap — sharp, relevant, and unmissable.
🚨 SECURITY & COMMUNITY CONCERNS
🔴 Kidnappings Spark Fear Across the RegionThe rescue of abducted schoolchildren in Niger State reignited painful memories across Niger-Delta communities where riverine terrain has long complicated security efforts. Parents, clergy, and civil society groups renewed calls for safer schools and stronger community policing in the South-South.
🔴 Shocking Organ-Harvest Allegations Trigger Regional AlarmThe discovery of over 100 bodies in an Imo mortuary sent shockwaves through neighboring Delta and Rivers States, with rights groups urging tighter oversight of private mortuaries and hospitals across the Niger-Delta.
🏛️ BAYELSA & SOUTH-SOUTH POLITICS
🕊️ Bayelsa in MourningThe sudden death of Bayelsa Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo dominated political discussions in the region. Tributes poured in from former President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Douye Diri, traditional rulers, and community leaders, describing him as a stabilizing force in Niger-Delta politics.
🗣️ Diri Orders Autopsy, Calls for CalmGovernor Diri directed an autopsy to clear speculations surrounding the death, urging Bayelsans to remain calm and united during the mourning period.
🗳️ South-South Leaders Watch Osun APC Move CloselyThough outside the region, APC’s selection of Bola Oyebamiji in Osun resonated within South-South political circles as parties quietly fine-tune strategies ahead of future elections.
💰 OIL, GAS & NIGER-DELTA ECONOMY
🔥 Gas Flare Commercialisation Brings Fresh HopeThe Federal Government’s approval of 28 gas-flare projects has renewed optimism across oil-producing states. Communities in Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers are hopeful the initiative will finally translate to jobs, cleaner air, and real development.
📈 Market Rally Benefits Niger-Delta InvestorsThe ₦1.9 trillion surge on the Nigerian Exchange boosted portfolios of Niger-Delta entrepreneurs, oil-service firms, and pension contributors, signaling cautious optimism as 2025 winds down.
✊ LABOUR, CIVIL SOCIETY & THE STREETS
🚧 Protest Tension Builds in Port Harcourt, Warri & UyoThe Nigeria Labour Congress’ planned nationwide protest over insecurity sparked quiet mobilization across key Niger-Delta cities, with unions warning that worsening insecurity threatens livelihoods and education in riverine communities.
🌍 FOREIGN AFFAIRS & REGIONAL PRIDE
✈️ Nigeria’s Regional Influence Felt AgainReports that Nigerian military support helped foil a coup attempt in Benin Republic stirred pride among Niger-Delta observers, many of whom see the region as a backbone of the nation’s military and economic strength.
🧠 WHY THIS MATTERS TO THE NIGER-DELTA
This week reinforced a familiar truth:
The Niger-Delta remains Nigeria’s economic engine
Yet its people still demand security, environmental justice, and respect
Political stability in Bayelsa and beyond remains crucial to national peace
As 2025 approaches its end, the Niger-Delta stands at a crossroads — hopeful, watchful, and vocal.
