The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Bayelsa State, Desmond Agu, on Friday confirmed an attack on a crude pipeline operated by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company in the state.
Agu said reports available to him indicated that Agip’s Obi Obi-Brass crude export pipeline was vandalised in the early hours of Friday.
He, however, did not give details.
An earlier attack on Agip’s crude export pipeline compelled the oil firm to shut down production of 65,000 barrels of crude daily from the facility.
A new militant group, the Niger Delta Avengers, had, in an online statement from its Twitter handle, claimed responsibility for the incident.
The attack is in breach of the two weeks ceasefire declared by the Federal Government to pave the way for dialogue with the militants.
Agu said the corps had started meeting with traditional rulers in various coastal communities as part of measures to resolve the crisis in the state.
He said the meeting commenced with traditional rulers from communities in Southern Ijaw, a local government with one of the largest concentration of oil activities in the state.
According to him, the strategy is aimed at directly involving the monarchs and youths in the protection of critical national assets within their domains.
Agu said the corps and other security agencies remained resolute and committed to protecting the country’s assets, noting that his men were doing their best to protect the state from attackers.
He advised aggrieved youths to shun violence and embrace peace in order for the Niger Delta to attain its expected growth and development.
He said: “This is the case of people turning their weapons against themselves.
“This destruction is having grave impact not just on the economy of the region but also on the environment.
“Any polluted environment takes a long time to recover and become suitable for farming, fishing and other uses.
“Invariably, these youths are destroying their future and the future of their children.
“It is not worth it because there are better ways to make demands than self-inflicted injuries.”
