Police in the area of Imo in Nigeria have confirmed that there has been an attack on a Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) facility there. The attack, which was in the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government area took place early Thursday.
One source told the News Agency of Nigeria that the attack came at 5:30 in the morning and reported an explosion that created a great deal of flame. That source could not confirm if anyone was killed in the incident.
Andrew Enwerem, who is the Public Relations Officer of police in the state, did not disclose any details about the incident, and it is still not known who is behind the attack, or the amount of damage done to the facility. SPDC spokesperson Precious Okolobo noted that the Trans Niger pipeline that runs through the area has been closed for repairs, but said that the company is investigating the Thursday attack.
According to the Nigerian News Agency, no group has claimed responsibility for the incident.
Earlier in June, when Shell announced that it planned to end operations in some countries, it affirmed its commitment to remain in Nigeria. Shell CEO Ben van Beurden said that the company would not leave the country, and reaffirmed the liquefied natural gas and deep water operations there. The company’s facilities have come under attack on several occasions this year.
Yesterday, the Nigerian Army announced that it would investigate reports that some of its officers were planning a coup against the country’s president Muhammadu Buhari. The accusations of the attempted overthrow came from the Niger Delta Avengers. Representatives of the Nigerian Army denied that the report had any validity.