Emma Amaize
21 June 2008
Lagos — ILLEGAL oil bunkerers in Delta State, who are angry that the Joint Task Force (JTF) on the Niger-Delta has stopped their means of livelihood, Thursday night, blew up Chevron and Texaco oil pipeline between Olero Creek and Abiteye Flow Station in the state.
Saturday Vanguard was told, last night, that one of the criminals who planted the explosives was injured in the process but the information could not be authenticated at press time.
Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan hinted recently that illegal bunkerers who are not happy with the manner the new Commander of the JTF in the state had moved against their activities were planning to cause crisis in the waterways.
Commander of the JTF, Brigadier-General Nanven Rimtip confirmed the bombing of the pipeline when contacted yesterday.
He said that the extent of damage was being assessed and that the Chevron-Texaco Oil Company was already doing something about it.
Investigation by Saturday Vanguard showed that illegal bunkering business has not been booming for the operators since Brigadier-General Rimtip assumed duty in the state.
He even threatened to deal with any member of the task force found to be colluding with the bunkerers and that had sent shockwaves down the spine of his men involved in the racket.
Brigadier-General Rimtip told Saturday Vanguard that he would not relent in his determination to stop illegal bunkering in Delta and Bayelsa states despite the challenges before him, saying, "I will do everything to stop them. I will not compromise my integrity."
It was gathered that illegal bunkerers had tried to influence Brigadier General Rimtip with money so he will turn a blind eye to their activities, but he defiantly refused, saying that he did not come to make money with his job as Commander of the task force.
Rimtip said he was aware that the illegal bunkerers and their sponsors had vowed to make trouble for him if he does not co-operate with them, but, insisted that he would not succumb to their intimidation.
Chairman of the Delta Water-ways Security Committee (DWSC) and Commissioner for Water Resources, Mr. George Timinimi whose committee has been able to maintain calm in the state since Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan set up the body, last year, told Saturday Vanguard that the attack was not by militants, but, by illegal bunkerers.
He said the DWSC was aware that the JTF had in recent times waged a successful war against illegal bunkerers and wondered why the bunkerers should express their anger against the JTF for doing a good job by vandalizing Chevron and Texaco pipeline.
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