Unknown group attacks Shell pipeline in Imo

 

The Nigeria police have said an unknown group, Thursday morning, attacked a facility belonging to Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, at Awarra, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo.

The Public Relations Officer of the Imo State Police Command, Andrew Enwerem, stated this in Owerri, the state capital on Thursday.

According to him, the police received report of the attack in the early hours of Thursday.

He however could not disclose the extent of the damage done to the facility or the group that carried out the attack.

Confirming the attack, Shell’s spokesman,  Precious Okolobo, said “The Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), which runs through Awara, Imo State at the Assa-Rumuekpe line, has been shut for repairs since June 8, following a leak at Okolo launch, Bonny in Rivers State.

“We are investigating the reported incident at Awara’’, he said.

A community source in Awarra also confirmed that the incident occurred at about 5.30a.m. He added that the explosion created huge flame at the site and could not confirm if there was loss of life.