The latest Niger Delta militant group, named the Niger Delta Avengers, which has gradually gained momentum in the Delta region, has blown up the Chevron Valve Platform in Delta State.
The devastating incident was gathered to have occurred at about 10:40pm on Wednesday evening.
The corporation’s Public Affairs Manager, Deji Haastrup, could not be reached for comment on the incident.
An official of the Department of State Services (DSS), who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident adding that the platform was totally destroyed with the use of dynamite.
The security source told SaharaReporters that the platform is a major connecting point that links numerous other oil platforms. It serves as a fulcrum to Chevron BOP the Chevron tank farm.
The explosion has reportedly halted operations of the company in the region, according to this source.
A senior staff of the company’s media department refused to make any comment on the matter other than to disclose that top officials of the company are in a crucial meeting regarding the incident.
The Niger Delta Avengers claimed responsibility for the incident on Wednesday night. In it the militant group stated that its Strike Team 6 carried out the attack on the facility, which is in line with their commitment to cripple the economy of the Nigerian government.
The group, which had earlier claimed responsibility for destroying the Forcados 48-inch Export Pipeline, also threatened to attack oil facilities in Lagos and the nation’s capital Abuja.
“We want to pass this message to the all international oil companies operating in the Niger Delta that the Nigeria Military can’t protect their facilities. They should talk to the federal government to meet our demands else more mishaps will befall their installations.
“Until our demands are met, no repair works should be done at the blast site,” the group added.