Just in: Odagwa Under Aerial Attack From The Military

By PHC Telegraph

Oil thieves otherwise  known  as illegal  bunkerers who are operating within an oil producing community in the Etche Local Government Area have come under aerial bombardment.

According to information reaching our news desk, people in Odagwa, mostly traders in the market, women and children who fled are returning to their homes.

They were seen in broad daylight running helter-skelter as military operatives hit illegal refining points in the community from the air.

We cannot confirm if there has been any casualty but we have heard airborne crew despatched by the authorities to rid the community of illegal refineries are taking out such facilities.

People in neighbouring communities including Okomoko, Egwi and Ulakwo say a low flying military chopper flew overheard on its mission to raze down illegal refining sites which are being used to process stolen crude.

Nigeria which is unable to meet its delivery quota at the international level is losing trillions of dollars through oil theft.

There are equally signs that ecosystems of most communities in the Niger Delta are being destroyed as a result of the new wave of pipeline vandalisation

We have learnt that chiefs and traditional rulers from Ulakwo clan were having a meeting at Odagwa when the aerial attack launched by the military commenced. They quickly dispersed.

Our sources reveal that the military had a few days before the strike embarked on aerial surveillance activity.

The last time soldiers stormed the oil rich community, they did so by land. Although the local people say there has been a drop in illegal bunkering activities, it has not been halted completely.