THE Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta
(MEND) has claimed responsibility for the sabotage of facilities inside the
Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company in Warri, Delta State, on Tuesday,
saying it actually wanted to carry out what it termed “Hurricane Exodus” to
burn down the entire facility.
There was pandemonium at about 11.00
a.m on Tuesday, as fire engulfed the refinery.
Disclosing its action in a press
statement circulated electronically to journalists in Port Harcourt, Rivers
State, on Tuesday, by its spokesman, Jomo Gbomo, the group claimed that
its plan was to burn down the refinery.
The group said the attack was a
reaction to the failure of the amnesty programme of the Federal Government,
adding that its onslaught against the Nigerian oil industry would not stop
until government changed its approach to solving Niger Delta problem.
“MEND takes responsibility for the
sabotage this morning, Tuesday, October 22, inside the NNPC Refinery in Warri.
‘Hurricane Exodus’ was intended to burn down the entire refining facility.
“As long as President Goodluck
Jonathan continues to rely on an unsustainable and fraudulent Niger Delta
amnesty programme, peace and security will continue to elude his government in
the region,” the statement said.
Although information on the causes of
the inferno were still sketchy, an unconfirmed source said no fewer than 10
workers died, with some others sustaining varying degrees of burns.
It was gathered that the casualties
were ferried to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) clinic and other
medical centres nearby.
The company’s Public Affairs Manager,
Mrs Emmanuelle Ate, however, was reported to have, however, said there was no
casualties, saying it was a minor fire outbreak that was quickly brought under
control.
It was learnt that the incident
occurred when a routine maintenance was being carried out at the 10-H-02
equipment in Area II.
Another source said several
components of the refinery had been faulty and needed to be upgraded, adding
that some engineers were on duty to fix a leak in the gas component before it
went in flames.
On a visit to the company at about
mid-day, security operatives, including soldiers, were seen keeping
surveillance, while visitors, including Red Cross officials, were prevented
from gaining entrance.
Journalists were also barred from
having a feel of the incident, with one of the security men saying they should
return the following day to gather information from the Public Affairs department.
No fewer than four ambulances were
seen moving to and from the premises of the company, with occupants armed with
hand gloves and nose covers, an indication that the explosion may have recorded
casualties.
Though the cause was yet to be
ascertained, a source said the company officials were still carrying out
investigation.
It was gathered that the directives
and prompt intervention of the Managing Director, Mr Paul Obelley, who cut
short his trip to Rivers State on account of his daughter’s wedding on
Saturday, actually nipped further damage of the explosion in the bud .
Tags
Society
If after investigations and MEND is found out to be involved treat them as Boko Haram. The survival of the nation is superior to a few criminals.
ReplyDeleteAre the militants coming back again? Its been long since i heard about such incidence.
ReplyDeleteCatch fire Nigeria
ReplyDeleteNigeria jaga-jaga yet APC says no to confrence
ReplyDeleteWe ve 4gotten that d nation is under political/terrorist attack.let's be unitied MEND and chase the BH out rather than compounding issues,he preident is ours due to him being preident dats y BH re against his stay as president,we shouldn't sale our selves out.cos the Millitary ll 1 day make a change and we all go back 2 holding our hearts and balme our actions,MEND wake up let's chase BH out rada distroy our property ok
ReplyDeleteDespite the Bad English, you still make a point and we understand your stands. Better talk to them.
DeleteFaceless n baseless Mend claims. Who. Be jomo gbomo? Na to sit down wit ipad 4 hotel room dey claim on media?
ReplyDelete