FG Moves Against Niger Delta Avengers, Repairs Damaged Pipelines
Ibe Kachikwu – Minister of State for Petroleum[/caption]
The Federal Government has, on Sunday; commenced repairs of pipelines destroyed the Niger Delta Avengers in the oil-rich region of the Niger Delta, according to reports by Vanguard.
Chairman of Kunukunuma Federated Communities, Chief Moses Bebenimibo, who confirmed the development also, said the repairs and maintenance was contracted to Melcurt Nigeria Limited.
Bebenimibo also said that the Federal Government has consistently used heavy military presence to intimidate the community.
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He added that the said contractor (Melcurt Nigeria Limited ) did not involve the host community in its activities, even when they are directly affected.
“They are good in using the military to always intimidate and subdue us in matters that affect us as a people from this end.”
In a report by THE WHISTLER on June 13, 2016, the militant group had warned the Federal Government against carrying out any repair works on destroyed pipelines until the right atmosphere for dialogue is met.
Part of the statement The Avengers released reads:
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“We are going to redirect and reactivate all our activities if the government, oil companies and their services firms do not heed these modest warnings of not carrying out repair works and suspend the buying of crude oil from our region, as we await the right atmosphere that will engender genuine dialogue.”
Meanwhile three militant groups; Reformed Egbesu Boys, Egbesu Water Lions and Egbesu Mythier Fraternity, on Sunday, said neither the Avengers nor the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger-Delta (MEND), has their mandate to represent them in any negotiation with government.
