Tag: Avengers

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) yesterday described the destruction of oil installations embarked upon by the Niger Delta Avengers as an invitation to another civil war.

It also warned the militant group to desist from its “madness” of breaking oil pipelines, saying that the country cannot afford another war at this time.

A similar warning was issued to the Avengers by joint Akwa Ibom and Cross River militants under the aegis of the Bakassi Strike Force (BSF), saying that another civil war will not profit anyone including the destructive group.

Speaking in a telephone interview with The Nation yesterday, ACF Chairman and former Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Ahmadu Coomassie, said the Avengers unending attacks on the nation’s oil installations were unjustifiable, as necessary machinery to develop the region has been put in place by the Federal Government.

He said: “There is the Ministry of Niger-Delta. They have Niger Delta Development Commission and they have amnesty intervention and money was being passed through all these agencies.

“So why didn’t they develop their areas? Why are they asking for more? They were in government and certain projects were diverted there, including the fund for the dredging of River Niger. What else do they want?

“Why didn’t they do all these during President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration? So, I believe they are doing it deliberately.

“Look at Biafra too. Are they doing it to make the country difficult for this government to rule?

“Now that they are even refusing dialogue, do they want confrontation? There has been confrontation in this country before. Do we want a repeat?

“We have had one before and I believe no country can afford a civil war twice.

“So, Niger-Delta Avengers should give peace a chance. If they want a particular thing, they should come out and mention it, then Federal Government will consider it on its own merit.

“They should stop calling for another war.”

In a related development, the Bakassi Strike Force (BSF), a group made up of militants from Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, yesterday expressed solidarity with the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government in the latter’s call on the Niger Delta Avengers to drop their arms and come to the negotiation table.

The militants, whose members were clothed in camouflages and masks and displayed arms and ammunition at the Esuk Mba Beach in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, Cross River State yesterday, said that going to war will not be of benefit to anyone.

The leader of the group, General Simply Benjamin, said they were an indigenous group from Akwa Ibom and Cross River states made up of 642 foot soldiers.

He said they decided to display their arms to show that although they have enough weapons to engage in war, they believe that peace is the best option for the country.

Benjamin said: “BSF is an indigenous group made up of youths from Akwa Ibom and Cross River states, totaling 642 foot soldiers.

“You will agree with me that Akwa Ibom and Cross River states are part of the Niger Delta, yet we have been completely sidelined from the amnesty scheme and other empowerment programmes meant for youths of the Niger Delta.

“Yet it would interest you to know that it was in Obubra, Cross River State that the demobilization camp of the Niger Delta militants was hosted, when states such as Bayelsa, Rivers, Edo and Ondo refused to host the rehabilitation camp for the militants.

“Then again the Federal Government took away our oil rich Bakassi from us and handed it to Cameroun. We as inhabitants were not consulted, neither was proper compensational and resettlement process instituted.

“And to make matters worse, the Camerounian forces, after taking over our lands, began to molest, intimidate and laden us with heavy taxes which became entirely unbearable.

“Therefore, when it became obvious in spite of several petitions, that the federal and state governments were not interested in protecting us and even the United Nations, we invited our Ijaw brothers who were already in the arms struggle to help us resist the Camerounian oppression.

“Unfortunately, they embraced the Federal Government’s amnesty when it was offered and abandoned us with our challenges.

“We had no other option as indigenous youths of the land but to rise to defend ourselves from oppression and injustice from Camerounian forces

“This also underscores the fact that there is no struggle without reason. Like the Niger Delta Avengers today have reasons why they are blowing up oil an gas facilities belonging to Nigeria….

“Having said this, I wish to appeal to the Niger Delta Avengers that crippling Nigeria’s economy is not the solution to our challenges. It is cheaper to make peace as war leads to more destruction.

“Fellow compatriots Niger Delta Avengers, please sheathe your swords and give peace a chance.

“I think you have made your point, hence you should give government chance to respond.

“Enough of the bombings please. Nigeria needs peace now more than ever.

“The goverment of the day needs peace to implement its promises.

“I call on the sponsors of the Niger Delta Avengers to have a rethink of their actions.

“I also appeal to the Nigerian security agencies to please tread softly as two wrongs cannot make a right.

“Let’s adopt the approach of the Americam Ambassador to Nigeria who implored us to use dialogue, as war alone cannot solve our problem.

“As you can see, I have enough weapons to go to war, yet I believe war is not the solution. Peace is.

“I also appeal to all Niger Delta ex-militant leaders to support the Federal Government to change Nigeria for better.”

He pleaded with the Federal Government all the people in position of authority to be mindful of their words as they can infuriate anger and set one against the other.

“We recently heard comments from the Federal Government as ‘We will crush them, and ‘There will be No more Fresh Amnesty or in other words, no medal for criminals.’

“We are not saying criminals should be celebrated, but we should take cognizance of the fact that Niger Delta’s challenges are unique and therefore should be treated carefully.

“We are calling on Mr. President to look our way by extending an olive branch to us by way of amnesty and also rehabilitate our people and our land by ensuring proper resettlement of Bakassi people. We are ready to work with the FG.

“Let me seize the opportunity to state in clear terms to government and all stakeholders that BSF is not part of the Niger Delta Avengers group. We do not subscribe to their objectives or pattern of operation.”

A former militant leader, Mr. Africanus Ukparasia a.k.a. Gen Africa, has warned that the Federal Government’s plan to negotiate with the Niger Delta Avengers will breed more criminals and further encourage militancy in the region.

He also alleged that a former militant leader founded the Avengers to blackmail the Federal Government to drop his corruption case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Ukparasia expressed readiness alongside other ex-militant leaders in the region to fight and capture the  said former militant leader and his lieutenants for the Federal Government to face the law.

He dismissed the threat by the Joint Niger Delta Liberation Front (JNDLF) to bomb the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, the Police Headquarters, Defence Headquarters and other national assets in Abuja, Lagos and Kaduna as a mere threat, saying that they (militants) know one anothers’ capacity in the Niger Delta and none should bite more than they can chew.

He said: “We thought the Niger Delta Avengers were agitating for the development of Niger Delta region, which has nothing to do with the former militant leader’s corruption case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“The South South governors should maintain their reputation and be sincere to agitate for the development of the region.”

He advised the Federal Government and President Muhammadu Buhari not to succumb to dropping corruption cases against indicted individuals in the region as such will tarnish the image the country.

Former militant leaders yesterday appealed to members of Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) to stop further attacks on oil and gas installations in the region and accept the proposed dialogue with the Federal Government.

The umbrella body of the former creek warriors, Leadership, Peace and Cultural Development Initiative (LPCDI), told the Avengers that their nefarious activities would have lasting negative impact on the region.

The LPCDI, which comprises former commanders of the Movement for Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND), in a statement by its President, Mr. Reuben Wilson (aka ‘General’ Pastor), warned that the actions of NDA would force the military to occupy the region the way it did in Borno State.

The statement said: “We hereby condemn the actions of the Niger Delta Avengers group and appeal to them to give peace a chance. We are standing on the side of peace and will always do because of the greater interest of the Niger Delta region.

“If you take an honest look at the actions of the NDA, you will see that the bombing of pipelines and other vices will have a lasting negative effect on our fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters and even children in the communities; these are people who will not have a source of livelihood, if the whole area is polluted, not to talk of the health effect.

“We also don’t want soldiers to invade our communities, like they did in Bornu State, and render thousands homeless. Rather, we advise them to channel their grievances through the right method, instead of destroying their own land and heritage to make their point.”

The statement said the national leadership and the nine-state coordinators of LPCDI asked members of NDA and other groups involved in the recent destruction of oil facilities to embrace the Presidency’s proposed dialogue.

As the militant group, Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) continues one of the most destructive operations since the end of the Niger Delta crisis, S’South Regional Editor, Shola O’neil, looks at what is driving the group, the possible interests scrambling for recognition, possible patronages and why the Avengers might be gaining support from sections of the local communities in the region.

The circumstances that gave birth of Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), the new militant group terrorizing oil installations, communities and the military in the Niger Delta region, remain mysterious, just like the face(s) behind the masks and the real intentions of the militants. Four months after the group announced its formation, the aims, motives and those behind the group are still shrouded in secrecy.
Leaders of Odimodi and other communities in Burutu Local Government Area of the state, where the militant group first launched an underwater attack on the 48″ pipeline linked to the Crude Loading Platform of Shell Petroleum Development Company at Forcados Terminal, scoffed at the group. The attack, which was cynically tagged ‘Valentine’s Day Spill’ by locals, because it was noticed on February 14 (Lovers’ Day), was a pointer to the group’s preference for the spectacular in its war of attrition.
Rather than target a point of the pipeline on land, Niger Delta Avengers chose to go underwater to announce their entry into the deadly game, a trail that was earlier blazed by Ijaw militants and later Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND). It was not until nearly 10 days after the attack that the group claimed responsibility.
The lacuna between the attack and NDA’s acceptance of responsibility led to suspicion that the group was an opportunist. Reacting to the group’s claim to the sensational attack, 22 Odimodi Community leaders described Niger Delta Avengers as “media hype by SPDC to evade her liabilities from the spill.” The allusion was due to the communities running battle with SPDC over issues of spill resulting from its operations in the area.
Shrouded in mystery
Nearly four months on, the group has grown into behemoths, which like its predecessors, especially the MEND, is at the verge of crippling the economy of the nation and impacting on oil prices at the international market.
Nevertheless, over a month after its mission of destruction gained momentum, nothing much is known about the so-called Avengers and their mission. Beyond a hasty, somewhat uncoordinated 9-point agenda, nothing much is known about the group. The demands, which include implementation of the national conference report, release of IBOP leader, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, among others are still perceived as suspicious and merely sentimental.
Our findings revealed that despite their denials, some Niger Delta leaders, particularly of Ijaw ethnic stock, tactfully support the group. Sources who spoke with our reporter believed that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government has failed to prove that the President “belongs to all and to nobody.”
Despite the launch of the clean-up of Ogoni land on Thursday by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, a random poll carried out by our reporter showed that most leaders of the region perceive the president as anti-Niger Delta, a perception that reinforces a siege mentality among the people, particularly Ijaw kinsmen of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
“This is a president (Buhari) who was quoted as saying that the Niger Delta people should not expect the same level of development as those areas that voted heavily for him and his actions so far have matched that utterance.” Chief Favour Izoukumor, an Ijaw leader from Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom, while condemning the attacks by the group “in the strongest term”, noted that there is a feeling that the Buhari Presidency is treating the region as outside his area of interest.
Izoukumor particularly lamented the fate of the NIMASA University, Okerenkoko, which was approved by the past administration. The university has failed to take off with the Minister of Transport, Rt Hon Rotimi Amaechi, adding to the President’s gaffe on unequal treatment when he said the university was a bad idea. He was quoted as saying that no parent would want to send their children and ward to such a faraway institution located in Okerenkoko, an oil bearing community.
Izoukumor, a former President of the Izon-Ebe Oil Producing Communities Forum, said: “It is particularly sinister for the present government to attempt to undo some or the little gains that the region has seen in the past as the fate of the NIMASA University, Okerenkoko, Delta State,” he said.
“How can a minister of the Federal Government be so callous and careless to impugn the propriety of the only maritime university sited in Okerenkoko/Kurutie? It is not only vexatious and undignified; it is most wicked and insensitive to the feelings and conditions of the oil-bearing communities that have borne the pains of crude oil exploration and exploitation activities, which have led to the development of other parts of the country.”
The feeling of rage is shared by an APC leader in Delta, Pastor Ziakede Aginighan, who urged the President to show goodwill to the region by approving the takeoff of the university from its temporary site in Kurutie.
Nonetheless, not all indigenes of the region have the civility and equanimity of Aginighan and Izoukumor, which explains why some are up in arms. A number of other sources, who spoke, mostly in private to The Nation, failed to denounce the Avengers, but see it as analogous to the debacle of Boko Haram, which prevented their kinsmen, former President Goodluck Jonathan, from focusing and performing during his tenure.
Reacting on Facebook to a news report about a pipeline attack, Timi (surname withheld), an Ijaw youth said, “If northerners can use Boko Haram to destabilize GEJ’s government and (someone) sees nothing wrong with that, why all these complaints now?”
The Tompolo angle
There cannot, however, be a character more disenchanted with his own fate and that of the region than Chief Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo). His sphere of influence and wealth has dwindled since Jonathan lost the election last year. The acclaimed founder of the MEND has featured prominently in the latest militancy. He is accused of being the man behind, not only to make the region ungovernable for Buhari, but to negotiate a sort of soft-landing in his corruption trial by the EFCC.
The reticent ex-warlord talked himself into trouble when he warned of trouble if Jonathan failed to win a second term. He has since tempered the threat of war by explaining that he was merely supporting his candidate and the PDP.
The theory of his alleged link with NDA is mellowed by the cat and mouse game he has been engaged in with the group, which he has disavowed severally. His denouncement angered the Avengers, which demanded an apology. The call for recantation was rebuffed by Tompolo, prompting NDA to follow up with more attacks on facilities in Gbaramatu kingdom, where he hails from.
In an even more cynical response after the invasion of Oporoza by the Joint Task Force, the Avengers taunted Tompolo asking how his “cooperation with the Federal Government and military” was going. They reminded him of how he spurned their offer for him to join with them during the incipient stage of their existence.
In spite of the brickbat between the two sides, deep suspicion persist over genuineness of Tompolo’s denial of the militant group. Commander Bibi Oduku, a former militant leader in the region and Commander of the Niger Delta Coast Guard, opined that it was not possible for outsiders to invade Gbaramatu without the knowledge or tacit approval of the ‘GOC’ (Tompolo).
It is difficult to fault Oduku’s argument. From the days of Warri Crisis to the Niger Delta crisis, Tompolo has emerged as de facto leader of militants in the creeks of the Delta from Ondo to Cross Rivers states. He is reputed to have the uncanny ability to rally thousands of youths from the area without effort.
Our investigation revealed that youths affiliated to him, particularly those who were empowered through the NIMASA, pipeline surveillance and others over the years might have carried out the first sets of attack on oil facilities in the Warri area last month.
“You cannot talk about militancy in this region without mentioning Tompolo. We are aware that those who started this attacks in Warri were probably from the welding institute in his hometown, but whether he sent those boys or if they are doing it for him or other paymasters or because they are broke and disillusioned is what nobody can say,” a security source said.
Those who accuse him of complicity recalled that prior to those attacks, he foretold the destructions on March 13, in a press statement wherein he alluded to having “intelligent information” on plan to “implicate Tompolo in planned pipeline destruction in the Niger Delta”.
The voice of Jacob and hand of Esau theory was amplified by a former militant leader, who asserted that “there is nothing like Niger Delta Avengers, but an Avenger”, which the Federal Government knows.
Effervescent Itsekiri activist, Chief Ayirimi Emami described the ping-pong of accusation between both sides as a childish attempt to fool the public. Without mincing words, he fingered Tompolo for the attacks, stressing that the exchanges were mere subterfuge.
For Emami, the attacks were carefully calculated with the aim of portraying Tompolo as the only messiah needed by the Federal Government to halt the wanton destruction of oil facilities and instability in the region. He opined that Tompolo’s knowledge of the attacks was more than coincidence and serendipity.
“I insist that he (Tompolo) is the one behind the bombing. If he is not, he should come out and prove his innocence,” he challenged.
Tompolo’s riposte, through his Media Consultant and longtime associate, Comrade Paul Bebenimibo, exposed an angle to the insecurity in the region. He accused some persons and oil services companies of escalating the crisis in the region in order to secure pipeline surveillance contracts and for repairs of the affected facilities.
“Ayiri Emami and others accusing me of the destruction of oil facilities in part of the Delta are simply looking for relevance, recognition and pipeline surveillance contracts. If anyone doubts what I am saying, such should find out from the GMD (NNPC) and Minister for State for Petroleum, because Ayiri and his likes have been troubling the Minister for pipeline surveillance contracts for some time now,” he added.
But Emami denied the allegation, insisting that even if offered the contract, “I will not accept it because of this kind of blackmail that I have since envisaged from those people that are hell bent on crippling this government.”
Aside the rhetoric in the debate between Emami and Tompolo, oil and gas surveillance contracts and lucrative oil deals cannot be ruled out in the ongoing carnage. Before they became foes, the two were beneficiaries of the multibillion surveillance contract awarded by the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. Fronting with OFSL (Oil Field Surveillance Limited), they and a current Delta State House of Assembly member, sat over the multibillion naira project until the contract expired around 2012/2013.
Is money the issue?
Similar contracts were awarded to militant leaders, including Atake Tom, Boyloaf and Asari Dokubo, among others in the region and the beneficiaries owed their rise to fame and prominence to militancy and their ability to cripple oil production.
The boys used by the militants to attack the facilities in the past were then deployed as ‘workers’ to ensure that the pipelines are not attacked. While some of the companies like OFSL indeed ensured that oil production in the affected areas picked up steadily, this was not the case in Rivers and parts of Bayelsa where beneficiaries mostly pocketed the money, bought posh houses and drove flashy cars in the cities.
The money made during the contract is believed to be a major issue that could be behind the attacks, despite NDA claim that it is not interested in “pipeline surveillance contract”.
The involvement of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) in the equation led to questions about the intention of the premium Ijaw group and its role in the militant group.
“The swiftness at which the spokesperson of the group confirms the attack and report of hearing about explosion was suspicious. It smirks of attempt to gain recognition and position individuals for possible negotiations with the FG.”
But Udengs Eradiri, IYC President, urged President Buhari to reach out to the stakeholders, stressing, “I also told security agencies that these persons are not representing the Niger Delta. You are talking to somebody who claims he is representing the region and they are blowing up pipelines. Is it not an embarrassment to the government? They are not happy that the truth is said because they have been deceiving the President all this while.”
As the question of whodunit persists, those who made the names of following militants continue to feature. “Even if they are not directly behind this latest attack, you cannot rule out their influences on those currently doing it. There are a lot of gains to be made; surveillance contracts, patronages from oil multinationals and even states and Federal governments.
“So, it is safe to say that oil money and patronages are part of motivation for the so-called Avengers, no matter whatever reason they give, they have their sights on oil money, which comes in many forms. If they are ‘old soldiers’ oil contracts and largess are part of their target,” a political analyst in the area asserted on condition of anonymity.
The source recalled that the sharing formula of proceeds of militancy was a major issue during the Jonathan Presidency. The preferential treatment got by Tompolo, Atake, Boyloaf, Asari and other ‘Generals’ at the detriment of ‘Commanders’ and foot soldiers have been a cause of friction. The late notorious sea pirate and former MEND Commander, John Togo, was killed by military operatives after he fell out with his colleagues and returned to the creeks of Ayakoromo, Burutu Delta state.
Some believe that his death was quickened by his rift with Tompolo. Although they had a long history of disagreement due to the deceased’s penchant for criminality and sea piracy, envy and jealousy was a recurring decimal in their relationship. Niger Delta Liberation Force, which Togo led, recently urged Tompolo to “surrender himself to the authorities for peace to reign in Gbaramatu communities and parts of Niger Delta.”
Mark Anthony, NDLF spokesperson described the Avengers as “criminals, fighting a selfish course over failed business empire with the present administration under President Muhammadu Buhari.” Disgruntled warlords have been fingered by conspiracy theorists, who felt that NDA are fifth columnists aiming to deepen the crisis their former colleague has with the EFCC and by extension the Federal Government.
Tompolo alluded to this too when he said those he angered while protecting oil installations could be behind his travail. But, beyond the issue of siege mentality on the Ijaw nation and prosecution (or persecution), there was a consensus among those who spoke with our reporter that the prevailing underdevelopment in spite of past agitation makes the creeks and communities a fertile ground for militancy.
Sunny Amorighoye Mene, an outspoken member of the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought told our reporter that “Why won’t there be militancy in the Niger Delta? Until governments at all level do the needful, we will keep having Tompolos and other militants parading under one guise or the other in the region.”
Speaking in the same vein, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, President of Kokodiagbene Community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, accused government of providing leeway for militancy to thrive. He said the refusal of the Federal Government to do the develop the region in time of peace and political office holders’ romance with militants, provide fillip for youths to take up arms.
“Some persons who believed that they are supposed to be beneficiaries who are not benefiting are behind this latest crisis. They are hiding under a platform of underdevelopment to perpetuate these evils. There are a lot of aggrieved youths who are looking for avenue to carry out their actions. There are those who believe that since this is a new government they want to be recognized and they see this as opportunity. It is most unfortunate that it is the governments at the centre and the various states in the region that have encouraged this. This is because the amount of violence you do determines your level of recognition (by government). Now, people see a new government they want to create room for their recognition.”
Past interventions
Using the Benin River area of Delta State as example, Mene noted that government has failed the people of the region. He said there are 45 communities around the Benin River without portable drinking water. “Ugborodo where you have Chevron Tank Farm does not have a secondary school. Omadino, biggest oil host community in the area also does not have a secondary and the Skill acquisition that was built during the IBB (Ibrahim Babangida) administration is yet to be commissioned to the date.”
The various intervention agencies at the federal level, including the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, and their states’ counterpart – DESOPADEC in Delta and OSOPADEC in Ondo – have yielded little or no impact, our findings revealed. Apart from state governor’s vice-like grip on the funds of the commissions, mind-boggling fraud and theft have rendered them ineffective.
Various sources said militants and ethnic militias were receiving up to N100m monthly as direct cash allocation from the commission during the past regime in the Delta State DESOPADEC.
“The past government should be held responsible for what is going on,” Mene said, adding that the 13% funds accruing the oil bearing states have not been deployed to the benefit of the oil producing areas.
Cutting the sharing of the fund in Delta, he said, “There is no need for state government to take 50percent and give 50percent for development of the communities. And even the 50 percent allocated for the development of the host communities is not being done truthfully and sincerely; it doesn’t go to the oil communities. What we have is government giving the fund as patronage to whomever they want.
“NDDC money also does not get to the oil producing communities; people sit in Port Harcourt and share it as they deem fit. The past governments cannot pretend to be unaware. The Niger Delta ministry is not doing its job judiciously,” Mene added.
Meanwhile, it is double jeopardy for the host communities, particularly the people of Gbaramatu kingdom. At the time of this report on Friday, they were subjected to more hardship as the JTF invaded Oporoza, the traditional headquarters of the kingdom, last weekend has mount a blockade on the waterways. Hundreds of inhabitants, including the aged, young and weak were said to be trapped in the bush.
Late Pere (traditional ruler) of Gbaramatu, Oboro Gbaraun II, accused the military of inhuman treatment of the locals.
“They came with bundles of army, beat up people, loot our houses, descended on our people, humiliated my people and even injured an 80 years old chief. Some women are even looking for their children. I sit down here seeing the military parade my people as if they are criminals. I am in deep pains. I cannot move out of this palace. In fact I am under arrest. All my chiefs have run away from the community. I am here alone and I dont know what will happen to me next. The soldiers are now the owners of this kingdom.”
Expectedly, the usual commercial and traditional fishing activities in the waterways have been stopped due to the military operation, which has so far failed to halt the militant group.
Gory tales of inhuman treatment and human rights abuses allegedly carried out by the military from the creeks is further alienating the Federal Government and the military in the region. A member of the Gbaramatu traditional council, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted said the indiscriminate military action and stereotyping of the clan members as militants were discouraging those who have the intention of helping.
“When you characterize everybody as militants without proof, you make it difficult for anybody to volunteer information. How many of us are militants? Instead of consulting they are rolling out weapons against the people.”
While troops are occupying Gbaramatu, the Avengers extended their attacks to neighbouring Egbema kingdom, where facilities of NNPC, SHELL and CNL are randomly being decapitated and put out of operation. Their rampage reached Omadino, where a military houseboat was attack and seven occupants, including three soldiers and a female, were shot dead.
The Delta State Government, which loud silence in the face of wanton destruction of oil facilities in the state was confounded many in the past, was forced warned about the consequences of the Omadino killings, which the Avengers disowned.
A statement by Mr Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, Press Secretary to Governor Okowa, noted the killing was “criminality carried too far as nothing justifies the taking of lives of uniformed security men who are out to protect the common property of Nigerians.
“Your activities could turn Delta state into a theatre of war and this portends great danger to the whole population aside from casting the image of the state as insecure and unfit for investment. We cannot, as a state, afford this rascality if we hope to make progress”, he said.

The Niger Delta Avengers launched three fresh attacks on the country’s oil facilities in the early hours of yesterday, threatening to bring oil production to zero level soon.

The group hit ENI’s Ogboinbiri-Tebidaba and Clough Creek-Tebidaba pipelines both in Bayelsa State and Shell Petroleum Development Company’s (SPDC) 48 inch export line at the Forcados Terminal, Burutu Local Government area of Delta State.

The group claimed on its Twitter account it had blown up the Ogboinbiri-Tebidaba pipeline hours after attacks on the Clough Creek-Tebidaba pipeline.

“At about 3:30am our (@NDAvengers) strike team blew up the Brass to Tebidaba Crude oil line in Bayelsa,” the group said.

In a second tweet, it said:”At 3:00 am today @NDAvengers blew up the SPDC Forcados 48″ Exportline.

“We warned SPDC not to go ahead with repair works but they refused. This is an example to all other multinationals.”

The attacks are the latest in the series of attacks that have been launched by the group.

The Avengers boasted that their violent acts have brought Nigeria’s oil production to just 800,000 barrels per day (bpd), from 2 million bpd, “without killing a soul.”

The ENI pipeline is used to transport Brass River crude.

Shell’s Forcados crude oil, where another pipeline was attacked overnight, has been under force majeure since February.

ENI did not immediately respond to a request for comment but Shell, in confirming the attack, said it was “yet to fully evaluate the potential impact and damage” caused by the attack.

The company, in a statement, confirmed “signs of a leak on the 48inch Forcados export pipeline at a location between shoreline and the Forcados terminal in the western Niger Delta, coming on the heels of a reported attack on the pipeline in the early hours of Friday, June 3.”

It added: “We are yet to fully evaluate the potential impact and damage to the pipeline resulting from this latest incident. We have, however, mobilised appropriate oil spill response measures and will be conducting a joint investigation visit to the leak site with relevant stakeholders.

“We are currently focused on securing the pipeline to protect the environment. Given this latest incident and the wider security situation in the Niger Delta, we are unable to determine probable timing of resumption of exports from the Forcados terminal.”

SPDC is the operator of the export line on behalf of the joint venture partners comprising NNPC (55%), SPDC (30%), Total E&P Nigeria Ltd (10%) and Nigerian Agip Oil Company (5%)

Four grades of Nigeria’s oil – Forcados, Brass River, Bonny Light and Qua Iboe – are under force majeure, though exports of the latter two have continued, and sources said ExxonMobil’s production had climbed back near to 300,000 bpd.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr.Ibe Kachikwu, on Thursday put oil production at 1.6 million bpd.

The Avengers, in a separate electronic statement, denied involvement in Wednesday night’s attack on a military house boat post in the Warri South Lcal Government Area of Delta State in which seven persons, including three soldiers, died.

It said its operational code prohibits the shedding of innocent blood.

It vowed to go after the killers of the seven persons and bring them to book.

“Killing of sleeping soldiers is not our style,” it said.

“We promise the world that in this process of liberating our people, not a single blood of Nigerian soldiers will be wasted despite the provocation.”

“Even the inhumane Nigeria soldiers are exempted. Our war is on oil installations, not to take innocent lives. For the fact we can’t give life, we also don’t have the power to take any life.

“But we (Avengers) are assuring the families of the affected soldiers that we will bring the culprits to book.

“When it’s time to face the military in combat, let the whole world know that we won’t be the ones to throw the first punch.

“This message is going to all groups parading themselves as freedom fighters. You can fight for your people without killing innocent souls.

“NDA have proved we were able to drop Nigeria oil production from 2 million barrels to just 800,000 barrels without killing a soul.

“We are warning every group to follow our footsteps. The days of killing and kidnapping are over.”