A massive explosion has rocked Rivers State as the Niger Delta Avengers claim responsibility for blowing up a major oil pipeline that reportedly supplies nearly 80% of Nigeria’s crude output.
According to reports from local residents, the blast, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, sent flames shooting into the sky and could be seen several miles away. Security agencies have since cordoned off the area, while officials from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) are assessing the extent of the damage.
In a statement allegedly released by the militant group, the Niger Delta Avengers said the attack was a warning strike to demand the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
“As long as Nnamdi Kanu remains in Abuja prison, we will continue to shut down Nigeria’s oil economy,” the statement read. “Every 24 hours he spends behind bars, five oil wells will go up in flames. The world must know that injustice against one freedom fighter is injustice against all.”
The Federal Government has yet to release an official statement on the incident, but military presence in the region has reportedly increased as fears of more attacks mount.
Note: this is a developing story as Stadt Newspaper is yet to confirm the authenticity of the source.