MEND Claim Responsibility for Explosion at Agip Oil Facility

Huhuonline.com can confirm that there was an explosion at one of Nigeria's onshore oil flow station operated by Agip in Bayelsa, the Niger Delta region.A source in the Joint military task force confirmed there had been an explosion in Bayelsa state in the Niger Delta but did not specify the exact location. Italian oil firm Agip was not immediately available for comment.

  The explosion was heard in the early hours at Agip's Clough Creek oil flow station in Bayelsa, one security source has said.

  However, just before press time Jomo Gbomo, spokesman for MEND, issued a statement claiming responsibility for the explosion.

  Hear him:
  'The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) hereby confirm that the attack on the Agip Clough Creek oil Flow station in the late hours of Tuesday the 15th of March 2011 was carried out by our fighters'.  

  'This attack is to mark the start of our promised campaign against the Nigerian oil industry. This attack and similar attacks on pipelines and flows stations which will take place within the next few days is a reminder to the Nigerian government and the general public not to take our threats for granted'.  

  'Again, we reiterate our desire to avoid any civilian casualties and again strongly warn the general public to steer clear of any political gatherings or meetings of any sort as the worst is yet to come'.  

  'The fight for the liberation of the Niger Delta has only begun'.