Jonathan Nwokpor
The Niger Delta Liberation Movement (NDLM) popularly referred to as MOVEMENT has claimed responsibility for the houseboat explosion in Dibi on Sunday and the fire at the main line connecting the Dibi field to the Olero flow station. The gang has threatened to take more drastic measures if these warning attacks are disregarded.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its joint venture partners, which include Chevron Nigeria Limited, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Heritage Oil, and Conoil, were issued a seven-day ultimatum, which expired three weeks ago. The warning was given on May 5, 2024.
If the alleged marginalization and neglect of host communities in the Niger Delta region—particularly in the Warri area—were not rectified, the NDLM had threatened to take drastic measures.
A news reporter was informed of the group’s statement by Mr Emmanuel Tagbanaraewumi, the secretary of the Niger Delta Liberation Movement. He said, “In line with our warning and the seven-day ultimatum that expired on May 12, we (MOVEMENT) take full responsibility for both the houseboat explosion in Dibi on Sunday, June 2, around 2:00 am Nigeria time, and the fire disaster in the major line connecting the Dibi field to the Olero flow station that occurred on Wednesday, May 5, 2024, between 10:00 am to 10:25 am.”
He added, “Due to the lack of action and disregard for our earlier ultimatum and the failure to address the issues raised, these strikes are inevitable and serve as a warning to NNPCL and its joint venture partners. It is no longer business as usual in treating the host communities to oil and gas facilities in Warri with a lack of attention, treating them as second-class citizens, implementing divisive and exploitative (modern slavery) policies, and more.”
“Our demands remain the same, and our stance on the marginalization and neglect of the host communities in the Niger Delta region, particularly in Warri, has not changed. Therefore, these recent strikes, along with the incident at Chevron’s RMT 14 Dibi Field Facility on July 11, 2023, are just the beginning of what is to come if NNPCL and its joint venture partners do not reconsider their approach and comply with our demands.”
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