Authorities had not been able to access the interior of that facility and had no information on any casualties among the hostages, said Brig. Gen. Lawrence Ngubane, a military commander in the Niger Delta.

He said the invaders were threatening to blow up the station if security forces came near. Gunmen and troops battled in the area last week, leaving several gunmen dead.

The villagers demanded money they say they are owed by U.S.-based Chevron Corp. (CVX), which runs the facility, for restitution after an oil spill in their area, Ngubane said. -Neftegaz.ru