Niger Delta  Avengers strikes again, blows up  Chevron oil well, panic in Bayelsa

From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa

LESS than 24 hours after President Muhammadu Bu­hari, through the Secretary to the Federal Government, Mr Babachir David Lawal as­sured that he was going to do everything within his pow­ers to secure oil facilities in the Niger Delta region, Niger Delta Avengers struck again, blowing up two major oil wells in Dibi, Warri.

Buhari, had before the lat­est assurance vowed during his Democracy Day address to Nigerians that if the

mili­tants want to test the resolve of his government, they are much mistaken as the government would apprehend the perpe­trators and their sponsors and bring them to justice.

The latest attack which was massive was said to have been carried out inspite of the heavy presence of military and their gunboats.

NDA had warned that it would teach the military bitters lessons for invading Oporoza and harassing innocent citizens ostensibly, looking for members of NDA.

Spokesman of NDA, Col Mur­doch Agbinibo, who confirmed the attack said it is an indication that the military does not have the capacity to stop NDA.

“With the heavy presence of 100 Gunboats, four Warships and Jet Bombers, NDA blew up Chevron Oil Well RMP 23 and RMP 24 at 3:44am this Morning (Yesterday)RMP 23 and 24 are highest producing wells”

A security Source said the lat­est attack might force the mili­tary to change its tactics and go on full offensive against the mili­tants in the region. According to him, the military had been cau­tious because they do not want innocent people to be caught in the cross fire but from the way things are going with the latest attack, the military would react strongly.

Meanwhile, security has been beefed up around oil installa­tions in Bayelsa State, follow­ing intelligence report that with major oil facilities already being crippled by NDA in Delta State, Bayelsa is the next port of call by the NDA.

Reports that people of Imir­ingi community, in Ogbia Local Government Area have been warned of an impending attack on the Shell oil installations in the area by militants has fuelled speculations that NDA activities would soon move to Bayelsa.

Investigations across major waterways in the state indi­cated naval gunboats and Army gunboats have been drafted to patrol and frustrate the activi­ties of militants. Also in Brass where Nigeria Agip Oil Compa­ny (NAOC) has bulk of its opera­tions, security has been beefed up as soldiers have been de­ployed to protect the facilities.