Tension as militants bomb pipelines in Delta

There is tension in Warri South West local government area of Delta state following attacks by suspected militants on oil installations.

The gas line from Olero creek to Escravos, Abiteye flow station, Sagara, Odidi pipelines and Sagara and Otuana flow stations were reportedly affected in the attack.

A source told TheCable that some of the pipelines supplying crude to Lagos and Warri refineries were also affected.

The development, which has created panic in riverine communities, is happening few days after a federal high court in Lagos ordered the arrest of Government Ekpemupolo, an ex-militant leader better known as Tompolo.

Ibrahim Buba, the presiding judge, gave the order after Tompolo refused to honour court summons.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is investigating alleged fraudulent land contract involving the ex-militant leader and Patrick Akpobolokemi, former director-general of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

Tompolo, who incidentally hails from Warri South, has distanced himself from the attack, saying it could be a ploy which his opponents want to use to nail him.

“Tompolo had earlier raised the alarm that some people who are still aggrieved over the outcome of the Bayelsa election might resort to such act and point accusing fingers at him,” Paul Bebenibo, spokesman of the ex-militant leader, told TheCable.

“Don’t forget that Tompolo was protecting oil pipelines for the federal government and he did it very well. He was going after vandals and illegal oil dealers and so on.

“Some of these persons (oil vandals) are known members of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Who knows if such persons are behind the attack on pipelines just to hang it on him? He can’t do such a thing and would not send anybody to do so. He has even condemned the act, so it is left for the federal  government to look inward.”

When asked why the attack was happening after the court order for his arrest, Bebenibo said: “This is not the first co-incidence that has happened in this world. Tompolo would not condescend so low to attack oil installations because he is being invited by the EFCC. He has nothing to do with the vandalisation of oil pipelines.”