Shell departure could result in violence

BRUSSELS, Sept. 19 (UPI) -- The departure of the Shell Petroleum Development Co. from the Niger Delta could leave a vacuum for violence, a report from the International Crisis Group says.

The report, released Thursday by the independent non-governmental organization, says that in the wake of Shell's departure from the Ogoni lands of the Niger Delta, government leaders must step up their efforts to ensure the region does not slide into violence, the Crisis Group reported.

The report, titled "Nigeria: Ogoni Land after Shell," says that the current period of transition from Shell to the Nigerian Petroleum Development Co. in the Ogoni land must be handled carefully. Officials say that while a largely non-violent struggle led to Shell's removal, armed groups in the region could destabilize the region if concerns over compensation and pollution are not addressed.

"If handled carefully, this transition could persuade some of the Delta's armed groups that non-violence can produce progress on their demands," Francois Grignon, Crisis Group Africa program director, said in a statement.

"If handled poorly, it will not only intensify the Delta armed insurgency but also set the stage for a new crisis between the Ogoni tribe and Shell Petroleum Development Co.'s successor oil company."