‘Militants’ hit gas pipeline in Ogun – first south-west attack under Buhari

Weeks after killing and maiming innocent residents while raiding communities in Ogun state, suspected Niger Delta militants have blown up a gas pipeline in PZ Estate in the Ogijo area of the state.

Members of the community told Channels Television that the incident, which is the first known attack on a pipeline in the south-west under President Muhammadu Buhari, occurred late Tuesday.

Apart from Imo state in the south-east, where a Shell pipeline was blown last month, all other attacks in recent times have happened in the south-south, mainly Delta state.

The suspects in Ogun were said to have attacked the facility while pretending to be officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on maintenance patrol.

The affected pipeline is said to serve an 11.4 distribution line for some companies in Ikorodu, Lagos state.

The scene of the attack has been cordoned off by security personnel.

Though officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) believe it is too early to conclude on the identity of those behind the attack, sabotage of such nature has been orchestrated by the creek manors.

Mohammed Tijani, divisional police officer (DPO) of Ogijo police station, said investigations were ongoing.

“What we heard is that during the day, some people disguised as NNPC staff. They reportedly came with two Hilux vehicles and pretended as if they carried out some repairs,” he said.

“Later at night, the explosion occurred.”

The Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), the group which has claimed responsibility for most of the attacks under the current administration, has threatened to storm Lagos.

The group said its aim is to cripple the nation’s economy.

After threatening to clampdown on the militants, President Muhammadu Buhari appealed to them to give peace a chance.

Nigeria’s production capacity, which sunk to an all-time low as a result of the attacks, soared during a two-week ceasefire declared by the militants.

However, the group resumed hostilities some weeks back, accusing the government of insincerity.