Xinhua reported that a gas pipeline in Utorogun oil fields in southeast Nigeria's Delta State was blown up by unidentified people on August 8th 2009.

The report said that this was the first time such attack was carried out on a Shell operated Nigerian Gas Company Compressor station transporting compressed gas to Delta Steel Company.

An attempt to get a glimpse of the shattered spot was resisted by a team of armed guards of the Joint Task Force who cordoned off the spot, denying the access to travellers on the Jeremi Ukpiovwin Road.

A Shell spokesman said that preliminary investigations showed that unspent dynamites with control wires are still planted on the spot and it was best for the security experts to sweep the spot to clear further likely dangers before free movement could be guaranteed around the spot.

The report said that a group with the identity of Ughievwen Youth Body Fighters reportedly left a banner and flyers, claiming responsibility for the pipe damage to raise perceived grievances and demands on government and the oil companies in the area.

(Sourced from Xinhua)