A group of Bakassi militants in Akwa-Cross Region under the umbrella of Bakassi Strike Force, have expressed complete disapproval of the incessant bombing of oil pipelines in the oil-rich Niger Delta region by the Niger Delta Avengers, reports Channels TV.
The Leader of the group, Simple Benjamin, who spoke at Esuk Mba, in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State, acknowledged that the continued attacks were adversly affecting the economy Of Nigeria and advised the Nigerian Government to listen to the agitations of the Niger Delta Avengers, adopting the approach of the American Ambassador to Nigeria who is an advocate for dialogue as war alone cannot be employed in tackling the issue.
He also made it clear that no one embarks on a struggle without a reason, and that the Avengers had their reasons for attacking oil facilities in the region.
The leader of the Bakassi militants however, said they do not support the bombing activities of the militants, urging them to halt the attacks as it was not the answer to their grievances. He said:
“It is cheaper to make peace as war leads to more destruction. Fellow compatriots of the Niger Delta Avengers Please sheathe your sword and give peace a chance. I think you have made your point, hence you should give government chance to respond. Enough of the bombings, please.
“I call on the sponsors of the Niger Delta Avengers to have a rethink of their actions. I also appeal to security agencies to thread softly as two wrongs don’t make a right”.
Blowing of oil piplelines in the Niger Delta region has almost become a ‘normal’ daily activity for the Niger Delta Avengers and they have sworn to continue until the Federal Government meets their demands.
The group reported their latest attack on Friday, saying it had bombed yet another crude oil pipeline, the Obi Obi Brass Trunck line belonging to Agip ENI in Bayelsa State.
An explosion also rocked a pipeline operated by the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) at Sanomi Creek, in Warri, Delta State on Thursday evening but nobody has claimed responsibility for the blast.
The increase in unrest has reduced Nigeria’s output to 1.6 million barrels per day, well below the budgeted-for 2.2 million bpd. That has heaped further pressure on government revenues already hit by the global fall in crude prices since mid-2014.
