MEND Threatens Islamic Targets In N’Delta

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) yesterday declared its readiness to launch violent attacks on mosques, hajj camps, Islamic institutions, large congregations at Islamic events and assassination of clerics that propagate doctrines of hate.
MEND, in a statement issued yesterday and signed by its spokesperson, Gbomo Jomo, said the attacks is a crusade to save Christianity in Nigeria from annihilation and will form the core mission of this crusade, code named “Operation Barbarossa”.
According to MEND, “on behalf of the hapless Christian population in Nigeria, MEND will from Friday, May 31, 2013, embark on a crusade to save Christianity in Nigeria from annihilation.
“We may only consider a ceasefire of “Operation Barbarossa” if the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Catholic Church and Henry Okah, one of the few leaders in the Niger Delta region we respect for his integrity, intervene. Also the assurance for a cessation of hostilities targeted at Christians in their places of worship, made privately or publicly by the real Boko Haram leadership, will make us call off this crusade.”
Contacted on the development, the Media Coordinator of the JTF, Lt.-Col. Onyema Nwachukwu stated that those attempting to christen themselves MEND today are impostors and a bundle of “never do wells” who want to be accorded undue recognition at the expense of the peace currently savoured in the Niger Delta.
“The lack of focus and genuineness of intention of this gang seeking to hide under the name of MEND is apparent in its statements, as it continues to contradict itself.
“You recall that it had earlier claimed to be acting under the directives of Henry Okar and now it refers to the same person as just one of the respected leaders of the Niger Delta. Now they are seeking sympathy and acceptance of the public by claiming to want to avenge for Christians,” he noted and called on people of Niger Delta not to be deceived by their tricks.
 “We urge all community leaders, opinion leaders and all peace loving Niger Deltans not to panic but rather firmly dissociate themselves from these criminals and to collaborate with the JTF and other security agencies in ensuring that we rid our society of these criminals,” he said.
The JTF spokesperson also debunked MEND’s claim of being responsible for the massive oil leakages from Oil Well 62 in Ewerusuo community in Nembe Kingdom.
“The claim by those criminals of blowing up a well head is false as our troops on patrol along Nembe Creek 1 Flow Station had earlier reported an incident of oil spill on water around Owelesu Community in Nembe resulting from the activities of oil thieves and a joint patrol team comprising of JTF troops and Nigerian Navy personnel was able to trace the spillage. “
“The troops observed a fresh dug out possibly for laying illegal pipeline and fresh foot prints which were traced to a small camp. Items such as hack saw for cutting pipeline, three shovels, food items, cooking pots, sleeping mat, foot wear, bags of pure water and clothes were found in the camp. It was suspected that some miscreants were trying to open up a new illegal loading point. The camp has been destroyed in situ and patrols will be maintained. The oil well was shut down to avoid further spill pending repairs,” he explained.

Source : Leadership