The Nigerian police has faulted the claims of the Niger Delta Avengers concerning the bombing of an oil pipeline in Akwa Ibom, south-south part of Nigeria.
Reports from Guardian Newspaper reveal the claim by the marauding Niger Delta Avengers about its successful attack on Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) at Ikot Osutek, Oruk-Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State could be a false alarm.
The dominant militant group announced via its Twitter page yesterday that its foot soldiers had blown up the pipeline at 4am despite the 2-week cease-fire announced by the Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari.
But speaking in a telephone interview with newsmen, the state Police Commissioner, Mr. Murtala Mani, said that it was a gas leakage: “It is a technical problem that occurred. Engineers from Port Harcourt there trying to put back the gas pipeline in order. No Avengers in the state talk less of blowing up of pipeline.”
Ikot Osutek community, the location of the gas pipelines, is along Ikot Abasi-Ogoni-Port Harcourt axis of the East-West Road in Akwa Ibom.
Nigeria's oil production is currently below one million barrels per day which has further complicated the imminent economic recession in the country.
Negotiations are ongoing with the Minister of state for Petroleum resources, Ibe Kachiwku leading the course.