JTF refutes pipeline bombing in Delta

THE Joint Task Force (JTF)), Operation Delta Safe, has refuted reports that some militants blew oil pipeline on Tuesday at Ughelli, Delta State.

Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre, Lieutenant Colonel Olaolu Marcellinus Daudu refuted the bombing in a statement he signed and made available to journalists in Warri, Delta State.

According to him, it was a case of fire outbreak orchestrated by bush burning, which was escalated by previous oil spill from one of the facilities of Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) located at Ekiugbo Afiesere and Inene Community in Ughelli North Local Government of Delta State.

“The attention of Headquarters Operation DELTA SAFE has been drawn to purported media reports of pipeline explosion caused by militants at Ughelli Delta State.

The incidence that occurred was a fire outbreak as a result of bush burning escalated by previous oil spill from one of the facilities of Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) located at Ekiugbo Afiesere and Inene Community in Ughelli North Local Government of Delta State.

It should be noted that no pipeline was affected neither was there any explosion.

Joint Task Force Operation DELTA SAFE wishes to use this opportunity to caution all from propagating discord and unsubstantiated stories in other to seek relevance and cause unnecessary tension are advised to desist from such practice.

They should rather be guided by national interest and security as they go about their professional duties,” Daudu noted.

It will be recalled that some national dailies (not Nigerian Tribune) had reported on Wednesday that 24 minutes after Vice President Yemi Osinbajo left the state on a one-day visit, some militants bombed NPDC pipeline at Ughelli in Delta State.