ExxonMobil denies shutting down operations

chika ebuzor

May 20, 2016 7:40 AM

This is contrary to media reports that made the rounds on Thursday, May 19, 2016, that the oil giant had evacuated its staff and shut down operations.

Militants in the Niger Delta region had attacked two offshore facilities belonging to other major oil companies, threatening to cause more damage, if the Federal Government does not meet their demands.

Premium Times reports that an ExxonMobil spokesperson, Oge Udeagha, said “Mobil Producing Nigeria, MPN, operator of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation NNPC/MPN Joint Venture, confirms that in the early hours of Thursday May 19, 2016, some unknown persons obstructed access to the bridge leading to our Qua Iboe terminal complex in Ibeno, Akwa Ibom state, thereby preventing our personnel and the public from conducting their legitimate businesses.

“We can also confirm that a peaceful removal of the obstructions is on-going, following the intervention of the officials of the state government, security agencies and community leaders.”

Adding that “Production activities are ongoing.”

A new militant group, Egbesu Mightier Fraternity (EMF), also issued a statement calling for the unconditional release the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu and the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki.

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chika ebuzor