A day after President Muhammadu Buhari met with leaders of the Niger Delta to resolve the crisis in the region, a major oil pipeline was sabotaged.
No group has, however, claimed responsibility for the explosion at the oil field operated by the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, in Delta State.
The attack breached a crude export line that was commissioned on Monday, PREMIUM TIMES learnt. An official said the explosion occurred at the line that transfers stored crude oil to vessels for onward export.
The Joint Military Task Force, JTF, deployed to the Niger Delta confirmed the Wednesday explosion.
Olaolu Daudu, spokesman of the JTF, code-named “Operation Delta Safe’’ said investigations had commenced.
He said troops deployed to the area heard an explosion at the Bantan Flow Station run by NPDC, a subsidiary of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC.
“Troops of Operation Delta Safe located at Sector 1, in Delta while on routine patrol heard an explosive sound caused by suspected economic saboteurs at Bantan Flow Station around Ekweregbene, Bantan general area.
“The incident is however, being investigated and details will be made available as events unfold.
“Also, troops of Forward Operation Base, deployed at Bonny in Rivers, while on anti – crude oil theft/ illegal bunkering patrol, discovered two illegal refinery sites along Ogbunku Creek,” he said.
He further said the troops recovered three 40 horse power outboard engines and three pumping machines.
Wednesday’s explosion may further affect Nigeria’s dwindling foreign earnings which have been blamed for the country’s current recession. Sabotage of oil and gas facilities led to an almost 50 per cent reduction of Nigeria’s crude exports and also worsened the electricity situation as gas powered plants could not receive gas.
Wednesday’s explosion also comes barely 24 hours after the Niger Delta stakeholders met with President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja.
At the meeting, the Niger Delta leaders presented a 16-point demand to Mr. Buhari. The demands include rapid development of the region and inclusion of people from the region in ownership of oil blocs.
The leaders at the meeting included traditional rulers, governors, ministers and top politicians from the oil producing region.

http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/214363-despite-buhari-niger-delta-leaders-meeting-militants-blow-major-pipeline.html

I smell the action of IPOB.

Honestly the surveillance team is not helping matters. JTF is a waste and endless drain of resources.

where is Tonyebacanista. part of nigerian project destroying nigeria??

Heffalump:
I smell the action of IPOB.

Honestly the surveillance team is not helping matters. JTF is a waste and endless drain of resources.

you have been smelling IPOB since the militancy started. Are you saying IPOB has overpowered FG. Greatest IPOB

I support giving ND indegenes oil block, increase derivation to at least 40% for a start.
Even if the money from oil increases 10-fold, states like Osun and Lagos will still be in debt.

These militants should stop blowing up pipelines.
Crude oil is money.

Damn it! It's the FORCADOS export line just reopened on Monday that these niggas just blew up again.

We are in deep shit.

I repeat, Buhari shouldn't have picked a fight with Tompolo. A wise man chooses his battle and being cautious is not cowardice.

Just laughing....buhahahaha

Kikikikiki

That's what you get when a wicked clueless man is in power.

niger delta youth no go hear word.

Every state should control and manage their resources and pay taxes to federal government. Is that too much to ask for ?

Environmentalist from the west will soon arrive here. Pitch tent and waiting for them.