After a lull in the bombing of pipelines, militants in the Niger Delta
resumed their dastardly acts and this time they have bombed two pipelines
in Southern Ijaw and Brass Council Areas of Bayelsa State.
Pointblanknews.com gathered that the riverside community of Ogbembiri and
Brass have been thrown into chaos as a result of the twin attacks on oil
and gas pipeline facilities located in the area.
The damaged pipelines are reported to belong to the Italian oil giants,
Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), was destroyed on Tuesday evening by the
shadowy militant group.
Agip, Shell and Chevron facilities have been attacked repeatedly in recent
months, resulting in the drop in the nation’s production quota.
Specifically, the pipeline attacked in Ogbembiri is said to have cut
across communities such as Tumor in Bomadi, Delta State through Ogbuasiri
located in Ekeremor in Bayelsa State respectively.
Sources said the security personnel stationed in the community took to
their heels as masked armed youths stormed it and blew up the facility.
The attacks on the pipelines are said to have caused a massive spills into
the areas.
Sources said the Italian oil giants, has deferred its production of 1000
barrels, equivalent to its equity share of production in the oil field
operated as a joint venture with the Nigeria National Petroleum
Corporation (NNPC).
The pipelines in Ogbembiri were reportedly blown up 13 times in one month.
The new attacks have forced the oil firm to shut production as it has
declared a force majeure, since security operatives cannot protect the
pipelines.
It was further learned that with the destruction of the pipelines, 1000
barrels per day, the equivalent of Eni’s equity share of production is
affected.
The facility was ruptured at the point which was previously repaid,
suggesting that it must have been an act of sabotage by the vandals within
the area.
No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attacks but a new
shadowy group, Niger Delta Avengers has been on a bombing spree recently,
destroying pipelines belonging to NNPC, Shell and Chevron in Delta State.
The Avengers had last week declared a Niger Delta Republic and gave a two
week ultimatum to the Nigerian government to meet their demands which
include among many others, the alleviation of sufferings and
marginalization being experienced by the people of the oil rich region.
Besides, the deadly group also demanded for the immediate release of
Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra and Director of
Radio Biafra/Biafra Television, who is being held over alleged felony.