Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari may have retreated from the Ogoni land clean up launch expected to happen today, a presidential source told Sahara Reporters. This would have been Buhari’s first visit to the highly polluted Niger Delta region since he assumed office.

According to reports, there was no reason stated for the absence of the president. Therefore, one may be forced to ask if this is actually unconnected to the reported threats made on Buhari’s life by the Niger Delta militants? If it is, then it brings to light the ruthlessness of these militants, how seriously they need to be taken and, at same time, questions the strength of our security forces.

While this security measure may have been in the best interest of the president, it sends an unpleasant message to the rest of the world. If a threat to the most protected man in the country immediately forces the cancellation of a proposed visit, then Nigerians really have no place to hide.

This cancellation comes on the heels of the threat issued by the Niger Delta Avengers to the president and his associates. “Buhari do not step your foot in our land because we heard you want to visit Ogoni land. Before coming you should sign your death warrant because we will kill you. If you don’t come and decide to send representatives, you should also sign their death warrant.” The militants also warned that they will not spare any indigene that identifies with the president’s visit. “Any Niger-Deltan elder working against our people should also sign their death warrant.”