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| ⚫ | '''Ebikabowei "Boyloaf" Victor-Ben''' (born 1971) is former commander of the ]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Vanguard |date=2024 |title=Group hais ex-militant leader on his birthday |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/03/groups-hail-ex-militant-leader-on-birthday/ |work=Vanguard}}</ref>. | ||
| {{No footnotes|date=June 2013}} | |||
| ⚫ | Ebikabowei hails from Ezetu town in the ] Local Government Area of ], although he was born in Ubiaruku town, Ukwuani,<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=The Nation |date=2022 |title=boyloaf-ive-no-regrets-taking-up-arms-in-my-peoples-interest |url=https://thenationonlineng.net/boyloaf-ive-no-regrets-taking-up-arms-in-my-peoples-interest/ |work=The Nation}}</ref> in ]. | ||
| {{Infobox person | {{Infobox person | ||
| | name = '''Ebikabowei Victor-Ben''' | | name = '''Ebikabowei Victor-Ben''' | ||
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| }} | }} | ||
| He attended Community Primary School in Amadiam and Stella Maris College in Port Harcourt, ]. Thus, he spent his childhood in Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers states, gaining insight into the living conditions of the Niger Delta. | |||
| ⚫ | '''Ebikabowei "Boyloaf" Victor-Ben''' (born 1971) is former commander of the ]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Vanguard |date=2024 |title=Group hais ex-militant leader on his birthday |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/03/groups-hail-ex-militant-leader-on-birthday/ |work=Vanguard}}</ref>. | ||
| ⚫ | Ebikabowei |
||
| Boyloaf remains popular in the ] and is currently a Business<ref>{{Cite news |last=PM News |date=2020 |title=General Boyloaf prefers life as a business man |url=https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2020/02/04/general-boyloaf-ex-niger-delta-militant-prefers-life-as-businessman/ |work=PM News}}</ref> Politician. | Boyloaf remains popular in the ] and is currently a Business<ref>{{Cite news |last=PM News |date=2020 |title=General Boyloaf prefers life as a business man |url=https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2020/02/04/general-boyloaf-ex-niger-delta-militant-prefers-life-as-businessman/ |work=PM News}}</ref> Politician. | ||
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| His brother, Chief Selekaye Ben Victor, was elected in 2023 as a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly<ref>{{Cite web |last=James |first=Akam |date=2023-03-24 |title=My Opponents are bad losers, I'm waiting for them in court - Bayelsa Lawmaker-elect |url=https://dailypost.ng/2023/03/24/my-opponents-are-bad-losers-im-waiting-for-them-in-court-bayelsa-lawmaker-elect/ |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=Daily Post Nigeria |language=en-US}}</ref>, representing the Southern Ijaw Constituency IV. He ran under the banner of the All Progressive Congress (APC).<ref>{{Cite web |title=ShineYourEye |url=https://www.shineyoureye.org/person/ben-selekaye-victor |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=www.shineyoureye.org}}</ref> | His brother, Chief Selekaye Ben Victor, was elected in 2023 as a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly<ref>{{Cite web |last=James |first=Akam |date=2023-03-24 |title=My Opponents are bad losers, I'm waiting for them in court - Bayelsa Lawmaker-elect |url=https://dailypost.ng/2023/03/24/my-opponents-are-bad-losers-im-waiting-for-them-in-court-bayelsa-lawmaker-elect/ |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=Daily Post Nigeria |language=en-US}}</ref>, representing the Southern Ijaw Constituency IV. He ran under the banner of the All Progressive Congress (APC).<ref>{{Cite web |title=ShineYourEye |url=https://www.shineyoureye.org/person/ben-selekaye-victor |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=www.shineyoureye.org}}</ref> | ||
| As a child, Ebikabowei witnessed the deep-seated injustice in the Niger Delta, which motivated him to take a stand against it. He initiated efforts to advocate for equity and justice in his community and soon found others who shared his passion. | As a child, Ebikabowei witnessed the deep-seated injustice in the Niger Delta, which motivated him to take a stand against it.<ref name=":0" /> He initiated efforts to advocate for equity and justice in his community and soon found others who shared his passion. | ||
| He stated, “I don’t consider myself a fighter by nature. Yet, the injustice I observed around me pushed me to take action. I was the only one among my friends who stood up for my people.”<ref name=":0" /> | He stated, “I don’t consider myself a fighter by nature. Yet, the injustice I observed around me pushed me to take action. I was the only one among my friends who stood up for my people.”<ref name=":0" /> | ||
| In his later years, Boyloaf became a prominent figure in the militant group MEND, where he held a high-ranking command position.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Ben |title=BBC - World Service - World Have Your Say: Your questions to senior MEND Commander Ebikabowei Victor Ben AKA General Boyloaf |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/worldhaveyoursay/2010/11/your_questions_to_senior_mend.html |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=www.bbc.co.uk |language=en}}</ref> His leadership role placed him at the forefront of the organization’s activities, which sought to address the issues facing the Niger Delta region. However, in 2009, he made a pivotal decision to leave MEND after being granted amnesty by then-President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua. This amnesty was part of a broader initiative aimed at restoring peace and stability in the region. | In his later years, Boyloaf became a prominent figure in the militant group MEND, where he held a high-ranking command position.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Ben |title=BBC - World Service - World Have Your Say: Your questions to senior MEND Commander Ebikabowei Victor Ben AKA General Boyloaf |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/worldhaveyoursay/2010/11/your_questions_to_senior_mend.html |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=www.bbc.co.uk |language=en}}</ref> His leadership role placed him at the forefront of the organization’s activities, which sought to address the issues facing the Niger Delta region. However, in 2009, he made a pivotal decision to leave MEND after being granted amnesty by then-President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua. This amnesty program, facilitated by the Bayelsa State Government,<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=hfGoVZZIEBU |title=Security In Nigeria's Niger Delta ; An Exclusive Interview With Boyloaf Ebikabowe (Ex Militant) |date=2021-04-19 |last=News Central TV |access-date=2024-10-20 |via=YouTube}}</ref> was part of a broader initiative aimed at restoring peace and stability in the region. | ||
| Since his departure from MEND, Boyloaf has chosen not to align himself with any other militant |
Since his departure from MEND, Boyloaf has chosen not to align himself with any other militant organisations. Despite this, he remains deeply committed to the cause of his people and continues to harbor hopes for the eventual independence of the Niger Delta region. | ||
| '''''Marriage''''' | '''''Marriage''''' | ||
| First Marriage: Boyloaf tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-05-05 |title=Photos from the wedding of former militant leader, Ebikabowei Victor aka Boyloaf in the US |url=https://m.lindaikejisblog.com/2017/05/photos-from-wedding-of-former-militant.html |access-date=2024-10-20 |website=Linda Ikeji's Blog |language=en}}</ref> Onyi Maris<ref>{{Cite web |last=Korkus |first=Stella Dimoko |title=Former Militant BOYLOAF Marries His Pregnant Side Chick |url=https://www.stelladimokokorkus.com/2017/01/former-militant-boyloaf-marries-his.html?m=1 |access-date=2024-10-20}}</ref>, on May 3, 2017, in a ceremony in Houston, Texas.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-05-04 |title=Popular Niger/Delta Billionaire Militant, Boyloaf Marries Cute American Lady In Houston, Texas |url=https://www.gistmania.com/talk/topic,331109.0.html |access-date=2024-10-20 |website=Gistmania |language=en}}</ref> The couple had previously welcomed a daughter and were expecting another child<ref>{{Cite web |last=Korkus |first=Stella Dimoko |title=Former Militant BOYLOAF Marries His Pregnant Side Chick |url=https://www.stelladimokokorkus.com/2017/01/former-militant-boyloaf-marries-his.html?m=1 |access-date=2024-10-20}}</ref> at the time of their wedding, having dedicated their first child in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-06-06 |title=Ex-Niger Delta Militant Gen Boyloaf & Wife Hit The Dance Floor At Their Child's Dedication |url=https://www.gistmania.com/talk/topic,297154.0.html |access-date=2024-10-20 |website=Gistmania |language=en}}</ref> | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | Second Marriage: On November 19, 2022, Boyloaf remarried to Faridia Olivia<ref>{{Cite web |last=Korkus |first=Stella Dimoko |title=EX Niger Delta Agitator Boyloaf Marries Olivia, Widow Of Late Gov |url=https://www.stelladimokokorkus.com/2022/12/ex-niger-delta-militant-boyloaf-marries.html?m=1 |access-date=2024-10-20}}</ref>, in a ceremony in Markurdi, Benue State. Faridia is the widow of Audu Abubakar, the former Governor of ], Nigeria. | ||
| '''''Education''''' | '''''Education''''' | ||
| In 2021, Ebikabowei Victor-Ben achieved a significant academic milestone by graduating with a first-class honors degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from Baze University in Abuja<ref>{{Cite web |last=DT |first=DailyTrust |date=2021-10-30 |title=Niger Delta ex-militant, Boyloaf, bags first class - Daily Trust |url=https://dailytrust.com/niger-delta-ex-militant-boyloaf-bags-first-class/ |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=dailytrust |language=en-US}}</ref>. His education has equipped him with valuable insights and skills that he aims to apply in addressing the challenges faced by his community and the broader Niger Delta region. | In 2021, Ebikabowei Victor-Ben achieved a significant academic milestone by graduating with a first-class<ref>{{Cite web |last=Naku |first=Dennis |date=2021-10-27 |title=Dikio lauds ex-MEND leader, Boyloaf, for bagging first class from Abuja varsity |url=https://punchng.com/dikio-lauds-ex-mend-leader-boyloaf-for-bagging-first-class-from-abuja-varsity/ |access-date=2024-10-20 |website=Punch Newspapers |language=en-US}}</ref> honors degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from Baze University in Abuja<ref>{{Cite web |last=DT |first=DailyTrust |date=2021-10-30 |title=Niger Delta ex-militant, Boyloaf, bags first class - Daily Trust |url=https://dailytrust.com/niger-delta-ex-militant-boyloaf-bags-first-class/ |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=dailytrust |language=en-US}}</ref>. His education has equipped him with valuable insights and skills that he aims to apply in addressing the challenges faced by his community and the broader Niger Delta region. | ||
| ==Militancy and activism== | ==Militancy and activism== | ||
| Boyloaf joined the newly formed Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta in 2006<ref>{{Cite web |title=Victor Ben Ebikabowei (Boyloaf) {{!}} Profile {{!}} Africa Confidential |url=https://www.africa-confidential.com/profile/id/3871/Victor_Ben_Ebikabowei |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=www.africa-confidential.com |language=en}}</ref>. Boyloaf soon rose to prominence in the ranks of MEND due to his expert commanding skills and was ranked 3rd highest in the ranks of MEND after ] and ]. The name Boyloaf became well known throughout the Niger Delta and Boyloaf recruited hundreds of men and turned them into well trained soldiers. By 2008 Boyloaf had influence over many soldiers and people throughout the Niger Delta region. On August 27, 2009 Boyloaf was granted amnesty by the Nigerian president Umaru Musa Yar'Adua in ]. | Boyloaf joined the newly formed Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta in 2006<ref>{{Cite web |title=Victor Ben Ebikabowei (Boyloaf) {{!}} Profile {{!}} Africa Confidential |url=https://www.africa-confidential.com/profile/id/3871/Victor_Ben_Ebikabowei |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=www.africa-confidential.com |language=en}}</ref>. Boyloaf soon rose to prominence in the ranks of MEND due to his expert commanding skills and was ranked 3rd highest in the ranks of MEND after ] and ]. The name Boyloaf became well known throughout the Niger Delta and Boyloaf recruited hundreds of men and turned them into well trained soldiers. By 2008 Boyloaf had influence over many soldiers and people throughout the Niger Delta region. On August 27, 2009 Boyloaf was granted amnesty by the ] in ]. He was the first militant<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=hfGoVZZIEBU |title=Security In Nigeria's Niger Delta ; An Exclusive Interview With Boyloaf Ebikabowe (Ex Militant) |date=2021-04-19 |last=News Central TV |access-date=2024-10-20 |via=YouTube}}</ref> and ] member to receive amnesty from the federal government of Nigeria. After him, others followed. | ||
| ] | ] ]] | ||
| Soon after leaving MEND he became a |
Soon after leaving MEND he became a active in the Nigerian political scene. On October 1, 2010 MEND planted two bombs in the capital ] killing 12 people and wounding 17. Boyloaf was arrested but soon released. Boyloaf was arrested again on January 13, 2012 after a car bomb had exploded in a town he had been in the previous day. Again he released soon after. In late 2012 Boyloaf began promoting the Nigerian president ] for the 2015 Nigerian election. Due to the spike in MEND's activities in early 2013 Boyloaf was yet again arrested on February 4, 2013 and again released soon after. Even though Boyloaf's days of militancy are far behind him he says that if there is no progress in the Niger Delta and the people of the delta continue to suffer he will return to fighting. | ||
| == Criticisms == | == Criticisms == | ||
| Following a review of government data published by Govspend, a platform which tracks Nigerian government spending, it was |
Following a review of government data published by Govspend, a platform which tracks Nigerian government spending, it was alledged that the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger-Delta paid Boyloaf about N564.7 million between July and November 2023 in 18 different transactions. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Mohammed |first=Yakubu |date=2024-02-06 |title=Nigerian MDAs paid over N159bn into private accounts in six years |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/665683-nigerian-mdas-paid-over-n159bn-into-private-accounts-in-six-years.html |access-date=2024-02-14 |website=Premium Times Nigeria |language=en-GB}}</ref> | ||
| ==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 07:21, 20 October 2024
Ebikabowei "Boyloaf" Victor-Ben (born 1971) is former commander of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta.
Ebikabowei hails from Ezetu town in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, although he was born in Ubiaruku town, Ukwuani, in Delta State.
| Ebikabowei Victor-Ben | |
|---|---|
| File:Ebikabowei Victor Ben.jpg | |
| Born | 1971 Born at Ukwuani, Delta State |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Other names | Boyloaf |
| Education | International Relations and Diplomacy |
| Alma mater | Baze University |
| Occupation(s) | MEND commander Politician Business Man |
| Known for | MEND |
| Spouse | Onyi Maris (m.2017) Faridia Olivia (m.2002) |
| Father | Chief Victor Ben |
| Relatives | Tueridei Victor-Ben, Selekaye Victor-Ben, Tari Victor-Ben, and Dembofa Victor-Ben. |
He attended Community Primary School in Amadiam and Stella Maris College in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Thus, he spent his childhood in Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers states, gaining insight into the living conditions of the Niger Delta. Boyloaf remains popular in the Niger Delta and is currently a Business Politician.
Personal life
Boyloaf is part of a large family, having eight brothers in total. Tragically, the eldest brother has passed away, leaving behind a close-knit group that includes Tueridei Victor-Ben, Chief Selekaye Victor-Ben, Tari Victor-Ben, and the youngest, Dembofa Victor-Ben.
His brother, Chief Selekaye Ben Victor, was elected in 2023 as a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, representing the Southern Ijaw Constituency IV. He ran under the banner of the All Progressive Congress (APC).
As a child, Ebikabowei witnessed the deep-seated injustice in the Niger Delta, which motivated him to take a stand against it. He initiated efforts to advocate for equity and justice in his community and soon found others who shared his passion.
He stated, “I don’t consider myself a fighter by nature. Yet, the injustice I observed around me pushed me to take action. I was the only one among my friends who stood up for my people.”
In his later years, Boyloaf became a prominent figure in the militant group MEND, where he held a high-ranking command position. His leadership role placed him at the forefront of the organization’s activities, which sought to address the issues facing the Niger Delta region. However, in 2009, he made a pivotal decision to leave MEND after being granted amnesty by then-President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua. This amnesty program, facilitated by the Bayelsa State Government, was part of a broader initiative aimed at restoring peace and stability in the region.
Since his departure from MEND, Boyloaf has chosen not to align himself with any other militant organisations. Despite this, he remains deeply committed to the cause of his people and continues to harbor hopes for the eventual independence of the Niger Delta region.
Marriage
First Marriage: Boyloaf tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend, Onyi Maris, on May 3, 2017, in a ceremony in Houston, Texas. The couple had previously welcomed a daughter and were expecting another child at the time of their wedding, having dedicated their first child in 2016.
Second Marriage: On November 19, 2022, Boyloaf remarried to Faridia Olivia, in a ceremony in Markurdi, Benue State. Faridia is the widow of Audu Abubakar, the former Governor of Kogi State, Nigeria.
Education
In 2021, Ebikabowei Victor-Ben achieved a significant academic milestone by graduating with a first-class honors degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from Baze University in Abuja. His education has equipped him with valuable insights and skills that he aims to apply in addressing the challenges faced by his community and the broader Niger Delta region.
Militancy and activism
Boyloaf joined the newly formed Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta in 2006. Boyloaf soon rose to prominence in the ranks of MEND due to his expert commanding skills and was ranked 3rd highest in the ranks of MEND after Dokubo-Asari and Henry Okah. The name Boyloaf became well known throughout the Niger Delta and Boyloaf recruited hundreds of men and turned them into well trained soldiers. By 2008 Boyloaf had influence over many soldiers and people throughout the Niger Delta region. On August 27, 2009 Boyloaf was granted amnesty by the 13th Nigerian president Umaru Musa Yar'Adua GCFR in Port Harcourt. He was the first militant and MEND member to receive amnesty from the federal government of Nigeria. After him, others followed.
Soon after leaving MEND he became a active in the Nigerian political scene. On October 1, 2010 MEND planted two bombs in the capital Abuja killing 12 people and wounding 17. Boyloaf was arrested but soon released. Boyloaf was arrested again on January 13, 2012 after a car bomb had exploded in a town he had been in the previous day. Again he released soon after. In late 2012 Boyloaf began promoting the Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan for the 2015 Nigerian election. Due to the spike in MEND's activities in early 2013 Boyloaf was yet again arrested on February 4, 2013 and again released soon after. Even though Boyloaf's days of militancy are far behind him he says that if there is no progress in the Niger Delta and the people of the delta continue to suffer he will return to fighting.
Criticisms
Following a review of government data published by Govspend, a platform which tracks Nigerian government spending, it was alledged that the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger-Delta paid Boyloaf about N564.7 million between July and November 2023 in 18 different transactions.
References
- Vanguard (2024). "Group hais ex-militant leader on his birthday". Vanguard.
- ^ The Nation (2022). "boyloaf-ive-no-regrets-taking-up-arms-in-my-peoples-interest". The Nation.
- PM News (2020). "General Boyloaf prefers life as a business man". PM News.
- James, Akam (2023-03-24). "My Opponents are bad losers, I'm waiting for them in court - Bayelsa Lawmaker-elect". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-10-19.
- "ShineYourEye". www.shineyoureye.org. Retrieved 2024-10-19.
- Allen, Ben. "BBC - World Service - World Have Your Say: Your questions to senior MEND Commander Ebikabowei Victor Ben AKA General Boyloaf". www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2024-10-19.
- News Central TV (2021-04-19). Security In Nigeria's Niger Delta ; An Exclusive Interview With Boyloaf Ebikabowe (Ex Militant). Retrieved 2024-10-20 – via YouTube.
- "Photos from the wedding of former militant leader, Ebikabowei Victor aka Boyloaf in the US". Linda Ikeji's Blog. 2017-05-05. Retrieved 2024-10-20.
- Korkus, Stella Dimoko. "Former Militant BOYLOAF Marries His Pregnant Side Chick". Retrieved 2024-10-20.
- "Popular Niger/Delta Billionaire Militant, Boyloaf Marries Cute American Lady In Houston, Texas". Gistmania. 2017-05-04. Retrieved 2024-10-20.
- Korkus, Stella Dimoko. "Former Militant BOYLOAF Marries His Pregnant Side Chick". Retrieved 2024-10-20.
- "Ex-Niger Delta Militant Gen Boyloaf & Wife Hit The Dance Floor At Their Child's Dedication". Gistmania. 2016-06-06. Retrieved 2024-10-20.
- Korkus, Stella Dimoko. "EX Niger Delta Agitator Boyloaf Marries Olivia, Widow Of Late Gov". Retrieved 2024-10-20.
- Naku, Dennis (2021-10-27). "Dikio lauds ex-MEND leader, Boyloaf, for bagging first class from Abuja varsity". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2024-10-20.
- DT, DailyTrust (2021-10-30). "Niger Delta ex-militant, Boyloaf, bags first class - Daily Trust". dailytrust. Retrieved 2024-10-19.
- "Victor Ben Ebikabowei (Boyloaf) | Profile | Africa Confidential". www.africa-confidential.com. Retrieved 2024-10-19.
- News Central TV (2021-04-19). Security In Nigeria's Niger Delta ; An Exclusive Interview With Boyloaf Ebikabowe (Ex Militant). Retrieved 2024-10-20 – via YouTube.
- Mohammed, Yakubu (2024-02-06). "Nigerian MDAs paid over N159bn into private accounts in six years". Premium Times Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-02-14.