Factional militant groups in the oil-rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria have signed an agreement to end hostilities in the region. The peace deal was reached at the Okrika market square in Okrika local government area of Rivers State.

The peace deal was signed by leaders of factional militant groups who have been engaging each other for size since 1999 in the creeks of the Niger Delta region.

The peace deal which was brokered by a Christian non-governmental organisation, Kirike Bese Peace Project is a result of months of hard work trying to reconcile the feuding war lords.

The militant groups which were factionalised since 1999 were used by various political groups to rig elections, threaten opponents, kill and silence the opposition. They are armed to the teeth and have consistently engaged security operatives in gun duels in the creeks of the Niger delta.

The president of the NGO, Clara Ngiribike, says “it took us months of preaching to them, praying for them and encouraging them to ensure peace returns to the region for this peace deal to be achieved”.

“Most times they threatened us saying we were government spies. They accused us of collecting money from government to give them up and all sorts. But thank God through fervent prayers and determination we were able to make it” she said.

The factional militant group leaders have by this peace deal vowed to ensure an end to hostage taking, disruption of operations of multi national companies, armed robbery, assassinations and maiming.

They publicly swore to an oat with the bible in the open and had a symbolic meal together which was rounded up with cultural displays and dances.

The dreaded leader of Niger Delta Vigilante, Ateke Tom, said “we are tired of hostage taking. We will ensure that everybody respects this peace agreement so that peace can return to our land”.

The militant leader further said “the government has to make this peace agreement work. They should stop their divide and rule tactics and ensure they are transparent in everything they do”.

Also speaking, another militant leader, Theophilus Fubara said they have finally laid down their arms and will never fight each other again. He however warned external aggressors against provoking militants to unwanted attacks.

“We will respect this peace agreement but people should not come and fight us here or else we will resist it” he said.

There has not been any official reaction from government concerning the peace deal reached by the factional leaders of the Niger delta militant groups.