Suspected cultists have attacked a gas storage facility run by the local arm of Italian oil company Eni in Rivers State.
Attacks on oil installations have picked up in the last few weeks coinciding with an arrest warrant for former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, known as Tompolo.
Army spokesman, Captain Lazarus Eli, told Reuters the attackers hit the facility in the village of Akala in the Ahoada local government area in Rivers State on Sunday.
“The vandals are suspected members of the Icelander cult group. The group demanded the release of a detained suspect – one Mr. Emmanuel Odum – currently undergoing interrogation in connection with pipeline vandalism and cult-related activities,” Eli said.
Eni confirmed the attack but said the impact on production was minimal.