Militants allegedly loyal to Tompolo bomb oil facilities in N’Delta

Tension appears to be mounting in the Niger Delta, as militants have resumed hostilities in the aftermath of the order of a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos for the arrest of ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly called Tompolo.

As a result, Chevron Nigeria Limited and other oil companies in the riverside areas of Delta state have commenced the process of shutting down their operations on Saturday after the militants blew up oil facilities that resulted in the crippling of a large portion of production.

According to reports, the major crude and gas line to the Chevron Tank Farm in Escravos were hit over night by militants in the wake of Tompolo’s face-off with the EFCC.

Despite Tompolo’s denial of responsibility the attack on Friday morning, sources in the Niger Delta and security operatives are of the opinion that he is masterminding the attacks.

The gas line from Olero creeks to Escravos were reportedly hit while the main crude line from Makaraba through Otunana, Abiteye and others were also put out of operation by the militants.

While denying involvement in the attacks, Tompolo said: “I am not responsible for the attack and I condemn it as a dastardly act. I am aware that some persons might want to destroy oil installations and link it with me. That was why I said before time that I have nothing to do with it.

“I could not have gone ahead to carry out such action knowing that every finger would be pointed at me because of my case with the Federal Government.”

It will be recalled that Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court, Lagos, issued a bench warrant for Tompolo’s arrest after he failed to report in court to face criminal charges filed against him by the Economic and Finacial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

However, residents of the riverside communities were said to be fleeing their homes yesterday for fear that fresh hostilities might break out between militants and soldiers on account of the blowing up of the pipelines.

A security source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said: “A trunk line was blown up with suspected (IED) Improvised Explosive Device in the early hours of today and there are report of armed gangs patrolling the waterways.

“Several explosions were also heard across the communities in Warri SW as bombs were going off, shots were being fired sporadically. We do not know if anybody was killed, but the shooting was much and it continued for several hours,” the source said.

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