Posted by By Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa on
Suspected militants in Niger-Delta region resumed their onslaught against oil installations on Thursday morning, in Twon Brass, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, when they stormed the terminal and kidnapped four oil expatriates, killing one of the youths who attempted to rescue the oil workers, injured some and destroyed two houses.
Suspected militants in Niger-Delta region resumed their onslaught against oil installations on Thursday morning, in Twon Brass, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, when they stormed the terminal and kidnapped four oil expatriates, killing one of the youths who attempted to rescue the oil workers, injured some and destroyed two houses.
According to investigations, the suspected militants, at about 5.30 am, stormed the Italian owned terminal in nine speed boats, overpowered the security men without any resistance and headed for where they could see expatriates.
Four of oil workers, three Italians and one Japanese including the terminal manager, identified as Mr. Renner, were not lucky as they fell into the hands of the militants who whisked them away to unknown destination.
The militants were confronted by some youths. In reaction, they were said to have released some shots which hit and killed a yet to be identified youth, with another one on danger list. A stray bullet also injured a little girl in the leg.
The militants were said to have destroyed two houses at the Nembe water side belonging to Chief Temiloye Oguara and one Chief Benmbo, though the extent of the damage is not yet known.
Reliable sources at the Joint Task Force, Warri confirmed the incident, but said the command was still awaiting details.
Sources at the Ministry of Environment said efforts were being made to establish contacts with the hostage takers to ascertain the group that carried out the operation so as to negotiate the release the expatriates.
A Bayelsa State Government statement disassociated Bayelsa youths from the operation.The statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor Mr, Ekiyor Wilson, appealed for calm revealing that the government was doing everything to bring the situation under control.
The statement reads in part was, 'The Bayelsa State Government has just learnt that some youths from a neighbouring state attacked the Brass terminal of AGIP oil terminal. The state government is concerned about the situation and is doing everything possible to bring it under control.
'The state government also wishes to enjoin the oil company not to do anything that will jeopardize investigations as security agents are already working on the situation '