The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has denied taking partin the pipeline attack at the Utorogu Gas Plant in Otughievwen, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State on Thursday.
The group however said the incident was an indication that there was fragile peace in the region during this 60-day amnesty period declared for militants who lay down their arms.
MEND’s spokesperson, Jomo Gbomo, in an electronic response to Sunday Sun enquiry said: “MEND (is) not responsible for the attack on the gas plant. However, this attack shows how fragile the peace is and the importance for peace to reign.”
Its response came just as a group, the Ughievwen Youth Fighters, claimed responsibility for the attack.
Sunday Sun investigation revealed that the dynamite used in attacking the gas plant disrupted the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC)-operated Nigerian Gas Company compressor station transporting compressed gas to the Delta Steel Company (DSC) plant at Ovwian-Aladja.
http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2009/aug/16/national-16-08-2009-09.htm
