The Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) looks to have split the blame for the resumption of pipeline attacks and destruction of oil installations between the Federal Government and the Niger Delta Avengers.
The militant group announced via its Twitter account on Sunday that it had blown up about 5 pipelines belonging to Chevron and the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation.
The Avengers claimed responsibility for the explosion that rocked 2 oil wells operated by Chevron near Abiteye flow station in Delta.
The IYC however, on Sunday decried the resumption of the attacks of the Avengers while pointing fingers of blame to the Federal Government for failing to begin negotiations with the militants after the temporary peace the visit of Minister for State, Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu brought to the region.
According to a statement issued by Eric Omare, the spokesperson for the IYC, the renewed attacks would constitute a setback for the negotiations which have not even begun.
He called on the Avengers to pipe low on the attacks so meaningful dialogue can take place.
He said, “It is unfortunate and worrisome that there is a resumption of fresh attacks on oil facilities in the Niger Delta region by the Niger Delta Avengers.
“The visit of the Minister for State, Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu’s to the creeks some weeks ago generated so much goodwill and commendation from the people of the region.”
“The IYC had expected the federal government to take advantage of that goodwill to engage stakeholders on how to find short and long term solutions to the problem.”
“IYC also call on the Niger Delta Avengers to halt further attacks on facilities considering the negative effects of the attacks on the Niger Delta environment and give room for constructive dialogue.”
It takes a senseless man like @NGRPresident to be calling for a peace talk and at the same time killing and detaining people.