Posted by By FEMI FOLARANMI, Yenagoa on
Suspected militants yesterday night invaded the Diebu Creek Flow station in Peremabiri, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State and blew up oil wells and delivery lines belonging to the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).
Suspected militants yesterday night invaded the Diebu Creek Flow station in Peremabiri, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State and blew up oil wells and delivery lines belonging to the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).
The SPDC confirmed the incident and said it has commenced efforts to contain the oil spill to the environment.
The militants, it was learnt, were led by a certain Commander Douglas armed with sophisticated weapons. On arrival at the spot, the militants were said to have dislodged security personnel guarding the facility and commenced operations using dynamite to blow wells 1S, 13,15 and 16T. They also blew up the inlet manifold, I separator including delivery lines which has caused oil spill in the entire area.
The SPDC spokesman, Mr. Precious Okolobo, who confirmed the incident, said the company has shut down some production volumes.
'SPDC Diebu Creek flowstation was attacked last night (Saturday). A few oil delivery lines are affected and some oil has spill into the environment. We are mobilizing containment booms to stop the spread of oil and have also shut some production volumes. We are investigating to get more details," Okolobo said.
When contacted, the Niger Delta Peace and Reconciliation Committee, the Bayelsa State Police Command and the Joint Military Task Force said they are not aware of the incident.
Meanwhile, Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has described the continuation of the secret trial of its detained leader, Henry Okah as an exercise that is bound to fail. MEND in a statement by Jomo Gbomo said it was disappointed but not surprised about the Court ruling to go on with the secret trial under a flimsy excuse.
'We expect his lawyers to contest this absurd ruling in the Appeal Court. The government is about to compromise some key tribes, individuals and groups in the Niger Delta to support the injustice that is about to be perfected with support from the United States and the oil companies operating in the Niger Delta."
MEND, he said, 'has been preparing for this eventuality and will let our actions in the coming weeks and months express our feeling.