Some of the terrorists who are contractors with the oil companies are Kodjo and David Lyon, who are trusted allies of the former governor and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva.
It was learnt that the oil companies who operate in the state have continued to channeled huge funds to these elements who in turn purchase weapons to terrorise communities in the state, especially in Southern Bayelsa.
Pointblankews.com however gathered that the oil companies have remained untouchable despite indirectly funding of terrorist operations in the state because they pay a monthly bribe of N50 million to the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Burutai, who ensures their protection at the highest circles of power in Abuja.
Burutai’s recieves his bribe through his aide de camp, Capt Ronnie Dankabo, who picks the illicit money every month and brings it to him in Abuja.
Killings in Bayelsa peaked before and during the recent general elections as thugs unleashed terror in the communities of the state.
However sources who confided in Pointblankews.com said, while Agip and Aiteo have polluted their land, creeks, waterways and communities, they have also taken to sponsoring terrorist and criminal activities in the state.
A source said, “This has gone from that to terrorism against our poor, oppressed people who are left alone at the mercy of organised cartels and international oil companies. If you look at their practices and activities in this country, in this state and in the Niger Delta, they are carrying on as criminal gangs with their collaborators.
“They are the ones terrorising the state. They have stupid and bastard money from Agip and Aiteo in the name of Pipeline surveillance contract. They have access to deadly weapons, they have more ammunitions than the police and army combined.
“They are not only polluting our land, creeks, waterways and communities. They are also taking their terrorist and criminal activities to yet another frightening level.
“All these cases of killings during elections, people terrorising Southern Ijaw, killing people and even affecting our democratic practices funded by Agip in the likeness of crude oil pipeline surveillance contractors and forming a parallel government in this state compromise all the layers of security in our country.
“They have been killing, maiming and terrorising people in Nembe Bassambiri. A certain Kodjo is working as an Agip contractor funded by the company. In Southern Ijaw, there is a certain David Lyon and his people whose activities are being funded by Agip.
“Agip is not interested in the stability and safety of our communities. This is how far they have escalated their terrorist activities. So when we talk of environmental terrorism perpetrated, funded and encouraged by IOCs, you come to Bayelsa and you see a classic case.”
Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC)
operates in the land and swamp areas of the Niger Delta, under a joint venture agreement with NNPC (60%), NAOC (20%), and Oando (20%), with concessions lying within Bayelsa, Delta, Imo and Rivers States.
The concession covers a total area of 5,313sq.kmcomprising four blocks – OML 60, 61, 62 & 63.
NAOC is also the operator of two onshore exploration leases, namely OPL 282 (90% interest) in the Swamp and OPL 135 (48% interest) in the Land area.
On the other hand, Aiteo Group is an integrated, global-focused Nigerian energy conglomerate founded in February 2008. The company is the successor entity to Sigmund Communnecci Limited. The company has significant business interests in oil and gas exploration and production; bulk petroleum storage; refining of petroleum products; trading, marketing and supply as well as power generation and distribution. Its subsidiaries are Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company Limited (AEEPCo) and Aiteo Power. The Group is owned by Benedict Peters.