‘Attack on Pipelines Undermined Relationship with Chevron’

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

Leaders of Dibi/Olero Field Communities in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State have condemned the recent attack on pipelines in the Dibi-Olero-Abiteye trunk line and Flow Stations, describing Niger Delta Liberation Movement (NDLM) which claimed responsibility for the damage as faceless.

The leaders from 14 communities decried the action of the group which they described as not only reckless but also detrimental to the environment, the local economy and the livelihoods of residents.

A group, Niger Delta Liberation Movement (NDLM), had claimed responsibility for bursting oil and gas pipelines being operated by Chevron Nigeria limited (CNL)

The damaged pipelines transport various petroleum products such as natural gas and crude oil.

The group in a statement claimed it carried out the attacks at about 2 a.m. last Friday describing the action as the launch of ‘Operation Chevron Dragnet’.

But Dr. Jeffrey Wilkie in a statement issued yesterday on behalf of leaders of the Chevron host communities declared: “We the leaders categorically state that this group is unknown to us and have no tie with the host communities.”

Other Itsekiri host communities’ leaders that signed the statement were Chief Francis Omatseye; Chief Mike Odeli; Evangelist Tony Aderojo; Canaan Ajagbawa; Itse H. Orugboh; Simeon Iluwa; Dr. Jeffrey Wilkie; Dr. Eyide Michael Ugeoritsete; David Odeli; Isaac Dorsu; Billy Ofesi; Duris Orugboh; Eniyan Tonwe; Roland Ukuesan; Jerry Atiene; prominent Warri Chief, Francis Omatseye and Hon. Florence Mene.

They vowed not to allow criminal elements to exploit or use false narratives to create divisions or disrupt the harmonious relationship between the host communities and Chevron that they worked hard to build over the years.

“The incident, which occurred in the early hours of November 22, 2024, involved a faceless group claiming to be the Niger Delta Liberation Movement (NDLM).

“The damaged pipelines are critical infrastructure for the transportation of petroleum products such as natural gas and crude oil. This sabotage has disrupted supply chains and jeopardized the livelihoods of many who rely on the environment for survival.

“The attack undermined the cordial relationship between Chevron, the operators of the affected facilities and the host communities that have consistently maintained open channels for dialogue and cooperation,” they said.

The host communities’ leaders, therefore, called on security agencies to intensify efforts in apprehending those responsible for blast of the pipelines, noting that: “The perpetrators are trying to hide under the guise of fighting for the interests of the host communities.

“We must not allow criminal elements to exploit or use false narratives to create divisions or disrupt the harmonious relationship between the host communities and Chevron that we have worked hard to build over the years.

“It is not in the character of the host communities to destroy critical infrastructure of Chevron or any company for that matter in order to vent anger or disagreements.”

The leaders commended Chevron for its continuous engagements with community leaders and stakeholders in addressing concerns and fostering mutual understanding.

“We the host communities are dissociating ourselves entirely from the perpetrators, reaffirming our commitment to peaceful coexistence and dialogue,” they said.