Nigerian Army denies pipeline bombing in Delta state
- The explosion in Delta state on Tuesday, January 17 was a fire outbreak caused by bush burning and not a militant attack on oil pipeline, says Operation Delta Safe troops
- The JTF says the fire was escalated by a previous oil spill from one of the facilities of the NPDC located at Ekiugbo Afiesere and Inene Community in Ughelli North Local Government of the state
The Nigerian Army’s Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Delta Safe has denied that some militants blew an oil pipeline on Tuesday, January 17 at Ughelli in Delta state.
Nigerian Tribune reports that coordinator of joint media campaign centre Lieutenant Colonel Olaolu Marcellinus Daudu said in a statement to journalists that the incident was a fire outbreak caused by bush burning and nothing more.
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The fire was increased by a previous oil spill from one of the facilities of Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) located at Ekiugbo Afiesere and Inene Community in Ughelli North Local Government of Delta State, the statement said.
“The attention of Headquarters Operation DELTA SAFE has been drawn to purported media reports of pipeline explosion caused by militants at Ughelli Delta State.
“The incidence that occurred was a fire outbreak as a result of bush burning escalated by previous oil spill from one of the facilities of Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) located at Ekiugbo Afiesere and Inene Community in Ughelli North Local Government of Delta State.
“It should be noted that no pipeline was affected neither was there any explosion.
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“Joint Task Force Operation DELTA SAFE wishes to use this opportunity to caution all from propagating discord and unsubstantiated stories in other to seek relevance and cause unnecessary tension are advised to desist from such practice.
“They should rather be guided by national interest and security as they go about their professional duties,” Daudu noted.
Recall that reports emerged on Tuesday that after Vice President Yemi Osinbajo left Delta state on a one-day visit, some militants bombed NPDC pipeline at Ughelli in Delta State in protest.
Source: Legit.ng
