Tuesday, June 30, 2009

The Nightmare Of Nigeria's Oil-Rich Delta

Niger Delta militants show off their firepower during
armed combat training in the jungle. Photo: REUTERS


From Yahoo News/AFP:

LAGOS (AFP) – Immensely rich in oil and gas, the Niger Delta is the cornerstone of Nigeria's economy, but the southern region is a nightmare for both the authorities and its poor residents.

Rebels on Monday announced their latest raid on a Shell oil facility, saying they had caused a "massive explosion" at the Forcados terminal and sunk a military gunboat with a score of troops aboard after a gun battle.

President Umaru Yar'Adua, in office since May 2007, has officially made the Delta a priority, but sabotage and the clashes go on, oil production falls and grinding hardship is widespread.

Read more ....

More News On Nigeria's Oil Conflict

Oil rises to near $70 on another attack in Nigeria
-- AP
Nigerian Militants say Offshore Facility on Fire -- Voice of America
MEND destroys Shell platform in Monday attack -- NEXT
Shell Confirms Nigerian Attack; Some Output Shut Down -- Wall Street Journal
Militants attack Nigeria oil base -- BBC
President orders amnesty for top Nigeria rebel -- Reuters

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