Invasion of western Niger Delta Abiteye flow station has forced Chevron Nigeria Limited to again cut 42,000 barrels per day of crude oil production yesterday.
The joint venture company, Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC)/Chevron Joint Venture confirmed the attack, saying at least 20 gun men invaded the station on Sunday.
“The situation is presently under control, as the company will continue to closely monitor the area and ensure tighter security,” the company’s Spokes-man, Michael Barrett said.
In another development, gunmen attacked a flow station operated by Eni, mother company of Agip, holding workers and some military men hostage.
Last month, the company lost 42,000 barrels per day (bpd), as villagers carrying sticks and machetes staged a protest against the company’s oil production facility, forcing it to halt its output.
The attack on its Abiteye flow station, which feeds the 160,000 bpd Escravos export terminal, was said to be as a result of delay in compensation for an oil spill in the area.
However, an eyewitness who confirmed the incident said there was a community protest, with people carrying sticks and machetes, but the place was full of government security forces drafted in over the weekend.
According to the company Spokesperson, Femi Odumabo, peace talks have already began and the company expects the crisis to be resolved as soon as possible, he said, adding that community leaders and elders have been very supportive of the company and are already intervening to see that the issue is brought under control.
Spills, which is a source of constant friction between oil companies and communities, is said to be caused by criminals who illegally tap oil from pipelines.
Jun192007