CRIME NEWS


Ex-militants bomb Escravos gas pipeline in Delta

  
IN what is believed to be a resump­tion of fresh hostilities in the Niger Delta region, suspected ex-militants on Thursday night, blew up a gas pipeline in Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State con­veying gas from Escravos–Warri- Lagos-Abuja, property of the Nigeria Gas Company (NGC).
A source who spoke with our re­porter from one of the Ijaw commu­nities, said, “We slept with our eyes open throughout the night as bombs boomed everywhere, the attackers were exploding bombs and shooting guns indiscriminately.”
His words, “They blew up the gas pipeline from Escravos to Warri – Lagos and Abuja at three different points. They struck at Opudebubor, Okpelama and Kpokpo area, Chano­mi creek and Sahara, behind Chev­ron Nigeria Limited, CNL.”
“We do not know what is going to happen next, but there is tension since last night over the bombing and many residents are afraid that it will continue. Some are already flee­ing their communities because they suspect that government would de­ploy security agents to hunt for those bombing the pipelines and they do not want to be caught in the ensuing crossfire.”
Reacting, ex militant leader, Gov­ernment Ekpemupolo (AKA Tom­polo) has dissociated himself from yesterday’s attack on oil installations in the Warri area of Delta State.
“I am not responsible for the attack and I condemn it as a dastardly act. I am aware that some persons might want to destroy oil installations and link it with me that was why I said before time that I have nothing to do with it,” he said.
“I could not have gone ahead to carry out such action knowing that every finger will be pointed at me because of my case with the Federal Government,” he added.
Tompolo, who spoke through Mr. Paul Bebenimibo, his media aide, urged those who carried out the at­tacks to change their ways.
[SunNews]

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