Chidi Samuel
There are indications yesterday that Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) has resumed hostilities against the federal government as the militant group claimed that its fighters bombed the Chevron Escravos export pipeline at Escravos offshore in Delta State. In a statement by Brig.-Gen. Murdock Agbinibo, its spokesman, the group said it has resumed the bombing of critical oil infrastructure.
The statement said: “Today (yesterday), at 3:45 a.m, our Strike Team 06 took down Chevron Escravos export pipeline at Escravos offshore.
“This action is to further warn all IOCs that when we warn that there should be no repairs pending negotiation/dialogue with the people of the Niger Delta, it means there should be no repairs.
“Any attempt to use dialogue to distract us in order to allow the free flow of our oil will halt the dialogue.”
The Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, Commodore Joseph Dzunve, has however said it is too early to conclude that what happened was a bomb attack by the Avengers.
He added: “We have not concluded if it was an attack. But we know that they reported loss of pressure and some confusion. In fact, as I speak, I have sent for Navy divers. It is not even on land; it is offshore. It is not on a platform also; it’s along the line…”
It will recalled that the Niger Delta Avengers agreed to ceasefire with other militant groups in the region to pave way for the federal government peace initiatives with the stake holders in the region lead by Chief Edwin Clark. The cease fire has to a very large extent held before Tuesday’s attack.