Tension as New Militant Group Blows Up Oil Facility in Rivers, Makes Demands
- An oil facility belonging to Agip has reportedly been attacked in Omoku, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni local government area of Rivers state
- Bayan-Men, a new militant group, took responsibility for the attack and disclosed what Agip has to do to avoid further attacks
- The militant group which accused the Nigerian military of interference and siding with Agip said it is only fighting for justice
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Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni LGA, Rivers state - A new militant group in Rivers state called ‘Bayan-Men’ has attacked an oil facility allegedly belonging to the Nigeria Agip Oil Company in the Obosi area of Omoku, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni local government area.
The Nation reported that the attack came following the expiration of the 24-hour ultimatum the group gave to Agip to address its demands.
Source: Getty Images
It was gathered that the violent agitators blew up Onosi-Ogu Manifold owned by the firm at Obosi, causing an explosion that rocked the area.
The militant group, in a statement, took responsibility for the attack saying it was fighting for justice for the Omoku people.
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The Punch reported that the attack resulted in an explosion that shattered the serenity of the area.
Group threatens more attack, gives conditions for ceasefire
A source whose name was not mentioned said a facility of the Agip had been attacked last week, adding that the oil company had yet to put out the fire.
Meanwhile, the statement about the fresh attach signed by the group's commander, General Agaba, threatened to carry out more attacks on Agip facilities if the firm fails to directly engage the communities of Omoku.
The group said it wants Agip to commence dealing directly with individual communities other than individuals.
The statement read partly:
“We are not criminals, we are intellectuals. The fact is that when a man is pushed to the wall, he bounces back with double force.
"We are giving Agip another seven days to open windows of negotiation with the 27 communities of Omoku clan."
The group said the meeting it is proposing must involve chiefs, the Community Development committee chairmen and the youths presidents of the 27 communities in the area.
It added that the meeting must take place at the Civic Centre where everyone will be allowed access, not in anybody’s parlour.
The militant group also promised to soft-pedal because of the appeals from different quarters and the forthcoming Nchaka festival.
Group accused military of taking side
Meanwhile, General Agaba also said the federal government had advised Agip to deal with the different communities independently.
He, however, accused the military of taking side with the company instead of maintaining law and order.
Agaba regretted the alleged interference of the military in the development, saying that the group was interested in justice for their people.
Gunmen open fire on police officers at Rivers checkpoint, kill 2
In other news, gunmen yet to be identified killed two officers attached to Mile One Police Station in Diobu, Port Harcourt, Rivers state.
An eyewitness said the deceased officers were shot dead while on a stop and search operation at Okija street in the area on Wednesday, November 3.
The witness said the gunmen, who were inside a vehicle, swooped on the deceased officers and shot them at close range, adding that the victims died on the spot.
Source: Legit.ng
