Nigerian Armed Men Damage Oil Wells in Bayelsa State

Text of report by Lagos-based newspaper Vanguard on 4 May

[Report by Samuel Oyadongha :"Armed men Attack Shell's Flow Station, Damage 3 oil Wells"]

UNKNOWN armed men, yesterday, attacked the Diebu creek flow station belonging to the Anglo-Dutch oil giant Shell Petroleum Development Company in the coastal area of Peremabiri in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, damaging three oil wells. Although no life was lost during the attack three oil wells were reportedly destroyed by the invaders believed to be saboteurs. No group has claimed responsibility.

Sources from the area told Sunday Vanguard that the damage inflicted on the wells had led to massive oil spill, which was posing danger to the communities in the area. The devastated oil wells, the sources said, include IS, 13 OR 15 AND 16T, while the inlet manifold and one separator including delivery lines were reportedly blown up by the unknown armed gunmen.

Though the state police public relation officer, Iniobong Ibokette (DSP) and his Joint Task Force counterpart, Major Abdulahi could not confirm the attack, the Shell Petroleum Development Company spokesperson, Precious Okolobo, said it took place.

“The Diebu creek flow station was attacked last night. A few oil delivery lines are affected and some oil has spilled into the environment,” he said, adding, “the company is mobilizing containment booms to stop its spread.” The company, he added, has shut-in some production volume while investigation has commenced into the root cause of the matter.

Meanwhile, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has expressed happiness over the release of Edward Oritsebugbemi Atatah arrested on September 3, 2007 by the government of Angola alongside Henry Okah. MEND, in an online statement made available to Sunday Vanguard in Yenagoa, commended the Warri monarch for his untiring effort in ensuring the release of the detainee.

Originally published by Vanguard, Lagos, in English 4 May 08.

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