MANY FEARED KILLED AS MILITANTS AMBUSH SOLDIERS IN DELTA.

Many feared killed as militants ambush soldiers in Delta June 2, 2016 Ovie Okpare, Warri Two soldiers and six civilians have reportedly been killed on Wednesday’s night attack on soldiers’ houseboat around a creek close to Omadino/Idjere junction in Warri South Local Area of Delta State. Our correspondent gathered that the incident occurred between the hours of 7pm and 8pm on Wednesday. Investigations reveal that the militants struck when some of the soldiers deployed to safe-guard oil facilities had gone on a routine patrol. A senior military officer who confirmed the incident to our correspondent said the soldiers were taken unawares by the gunmen who fired several shots, killing all occupants of the houseboat before zooming off. Another source said over 15 people were killed, adding that about ten soldiers were involved. The houseboat is operated by the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company. The gunmen, it was gathered stormed the location with two speedboats and sank the houseboat after their operation. Although, no militant group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but security sources believe it was carried out by rampaging members of the Niger Delta Avengers.

JONATHAN RETURNS

Jonathan returns by Yusuf Alli, Abuja, June 02, 2016 at 12:52 am
Former President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday returned to the country after spending about four weeks abroad. It was learnt that the ex-President flew into the country in the evening. Spokesman for the Forum of Former Ministers, Prof. Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman, confirmed the return of the former president at about 9.30pm. Sulaiman said: “The former President is back. I have been able to confirm his return. He is in Bayelsa State as I speak with you.” The ex-President’s trip generated concerns leading to speculations that he had gone on exile. While away, his former Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs, Dr Waripamowei Dudafa and cousin, Roberts Azibaola, were quizzed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over N10billion and $40million allegedly withdrawn from government coffers. The grilling of his aides fueled rumours that he had gone on self exile, as reported by a national daily. But the ex-President penultimate Monday told THE NATION on telephone that he was not on exile. He said: “I am not on exile. I have no cause to go on exile. I was Vice President for two years and President for six years. I did everything I could and I served my country well.”

AHEAD BUHARI'S VISIT: AVENGERS BLOW UP CHEVRON OIL WELLS

Ahead Buhari’s visit: Avengers blow up Chevron oil wells By Daniel Aduguo
Jun 1 2016 12:28PM
Ahead Buhari’s visit: Avengers blow up Chevron oil wells. Militants The Niger Delta Avengers early Wednesday morning blew up two oil wells located in Warri South West of Delta State belonging to Chevron Nigeria Limited. The militant group claimed responsibility for the attack of the RMP 24 and RMP 23 which are Chevron Swamp's highest producing Wells. “With the heavy presence of 100 gunboats, 4 warships and jet bombers, NDA blew up Chevron Oil Well RMP 23 and RMP 24, 3:44AM this morning.”It said via its Twitter handle @NDAvengers on Wednesday morning, “This is to show the whole world that the Nigeria military is good in harassing innocent Nigerians.” the group said. The latest attack comes as President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to visit the Niger Delta region on Thursday for the first time since taking office a year ago. Buhari will visit Ogoniland to launch a cleanup of areas heavily polluted by oil spills. The Niger Delta Avengers militant group, which has claimed a string of recent attacks, issued a warning to oil firms in the southern region that their "facilities and personnel will bear the brunt of our fury," according to a statement. Buhari said on Sunday that the government would hold talks with leaders in Nigeria's main oil-producing region to address their grievances in a bid to stop a surge in pipeline attacks.