The latest Niger Delta militant group, named the Niger Delta
Avengers, which has gradually gained momentum in the Delta region, has blown up
the Chevron Valve Platform in Delta State.
The devastating incident was gathered to have
occurred at about 10:40pm on Wednesday evening.
The
corporation’s Public Affairs Manager, Deji Haastrup, could not be reached for
comment on the incident.
An
official of the Department of State Services (DSS), who spoke on the condition
of anonymity, confirmed the incident adding that the platform was totally
destroyed with the use of dynamite.
The
security source told SaharaReporters that the platform is a major connecting
point that links numerous other oil platforms. It serves as a fulcrum to
Chevron BOP the Chevron tank farm.
The
explosion has reportedly halted operations of the company in the region,
according to this source.
A
senior staff of the company's media department refused to make any comment on
the matter other than to disclose that top officials of the company are in a
crucial meeting regarding the incident.
The
Niger Delta Avengers claimed responsibility for the incident on Wednesday
night. In it the militant group stated that its Strike Team 6 carried out the
attack on the facility, which is in line with their commitment to cripple the
economy of the Nigerian government.
The
group, which had earlier claimed responsibility for destroying the Forcados
48-inch Export Pipeline, also threatened to attack oil facilities in Lagos and
the nation’s capital Abuja.
“We
want to pass this message to the all international oil companies operating in
the Niger Delta that the Nigeria Military can’t protect their facilities. They
should talk to the federal government to meet our demands else more mishaps
will befall their installations.
“Until
our demands are met, no repair works should be done at the blast site,” the
group added.
Source: SaharaReporters
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