Niger Delta: Exxon refutes Avengers’ attack claim

Exxon Mobil Corp. is refuting claims by Nigerian oil militants that they have blown up an Exxon pipeline in Akwa Ibom state.

The Niger Delta Avengers said on their website that they blew up the Qua Iboe crude oil export pipeline late Monday.

But Exxon Mobil spokesman Todd Spitler said Tuesday that there had been no attacks on the company’s facilities.

The Qua Iboe crude oil terminal has a capacity of more than 300,000 barrels per day.

Recent attacks by oil militants who say they want residents of Nigeria’s oil-producing region to have a greater share of the profits have caused the country to lose its place as Africa’s top oil producer.

The militants also say they want all international oil companies to leave the oil-producing Niger Delta.