There appears to be a resurgence of hostolities in the Niger Delta region as 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 on basis of anonymity 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.”
In a swift reaction, 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 spoke through Mr. Paul Bebenimibo, his media aide, urged those who carried out the attacks to change their ways.
-Emmanuel Ikechukw
