A highly aggressive militant group in the Niger Delta has issued a new threat to Chevron workers following the destruction of a pipeline in the region.
File photo used only for illustrative purpose
Niger Delta Avengers, the militant group responsible for the recent destruction of pipeline and oil facilities in the Niger Delta has warned Chevron Plc not to carry out repair works at the valve platform that was blown up by the group last week, until its demands are met.
PM News reports that the militants threatened to attack the company’s workers and tank farms, including the one in Lekki, Lagos.
In an online statement from the group signed by its spokesman, Col. Mudoch Agbinigbo, Niger Delta Avengers said: “From our investigation, Chevron Plc is about to carry out repair works at the valve platform that was blown up by us (Niger Delta Avengers). We made it clear that no repair works should be done until our demands are fully met.”
According to the group, Chevron has been operating in the Niger Delta region for over 40 years and no day passes without their terminals having electricity. The host communities and villages around the terminals lack basic amenities like portable water, schools, hospitals, roads and electricity.
”They have a pact with the federal government to undermine the people of the region.
“When we blew up the Chevron Valve Platform it resulted in total blackout in the Escravos Tank farm for more than three hours. If we can do it just know that we are capable of bringing down your tank farms if you continue with repair works on the blown valve platform."
The group continued: “Chevron and the Nigerian Government are pushing us to do that which is against our wish. Despite making it clear that we are not after innocent human lives but the way they are going, we will not rule out human casualties.
”Be informed that if we decided to strike, it is going to be bloody. And to the contracting firm going to do the repair works, we want you to know that your facilities and staff will be our first casualties.
”We want to warn Chevron that the heavy presence of military in the creeks will not stop us from carrying out our operations. We are ready to destroy more pipeline. We will not only destroy pipeline, but will bring the fight to your tank farm and your headquarters in Lekki, Lagos,” the group stated.