- Niger Delta Militants
“The Niger Delta Avengers were not involved in the attack of the Military houseboat around Warri, Delta State. Killing of sleeping Soldiers is not our style. We promise the world that in this Process of liberating our People, not a single blood of Nigeria soldiers will be wasted despite the provocation”, the militia group has said.
The group continued: “Even the Inhumane Nigeria soldiers are exempted, our war is on Oil installations not to take innocent lives. For the fact that we can’t give Life, we also don’t have the power to take any life. But we (Avengers) are assuring the families of the affected soldiers that we will bring the culprits to book”.
The Avengers gave the assurance through its spokesperson, Brid. Gen. Mudoch Agbinibo, on its website, saying, “When it’s time to face the military in combat, we will let the whole world know that we won’t be the ones to throw the first punch”.
According to them, “This message is going to all groups parading themselves as freedom fighters. You can fight for your people without killing innocent souls NDA have proved it. We were able to drop Nigeria Oil production from 2million Barrels to just 800,000 barrels without killing a soul. We are warning every group to follow our footsteps. The days of Killing and Kidnapping are over”.
Meanwhile, the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Benin City, has confirmed Wednesday attack on military houseboat in Ejere community in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta.
Capt. Jonah Unuakhalu, Assistant Director, Public Relations Unit of the Brigade, made the confirmation in a press statement issued on Thursday to newsmen in Warri, revealing that six persons died in the attack.
Unuakhalu said that suspected militants attacked the houseboat with five speed boats mounted with 250 horse power outboard engines and disguised as normal commuters.
According to him, at about 5.50 p.m. on June 1, 2016, Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) Houseboat deployed at Ejere junction in Warri South Local Government Area was attacked by suspected armed militants group.
“During the deliberate attack, two soldiers were killed, one wounded, one soldier missing while four civilian staff attached to the houseboat were shot dead.
“The attack occurred when other members of the troop were on pipeline patrol,’’ he said.
Unuakhalu said that the Brigade condemned in strong terms, the attack on its personnel and the other innocent civilians who were discharging their constitutional duties.
While urging the people to go about their legitimate businesses, he assured that the attack would not deter the military from carrying out its constitutional duties.
“The Brigade will not be deterred by such dastardly acts, but will remain resolute in discharging its constitutional duties.
“Furthermore, those who carried out the criminal acts will surely be sought, apprehended and brought to justice,’’ he said.
