The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has
threatened to launch violent attacks on mosques, hajj camps, Islamic
institutions, large congregations of Islamic followers, as well as
assassinations of clerics who propagate doctrines of hate.
According to MEND in a statement issued on Sunday evening and signed
by its spokesperson Gbomo Jomo, the proposedattacks 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, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta
(M.E.N.D), will from Friday, May 31, 2013, embark on a crusade to save
Christianity in Nigeria from annihilation. The bombings of mosques,
hajj camps, Islamic institutions, large congregations in Islamic
events and assassinations of clerics that propagate doctrines of hate,
will form the core mission of this crusade code named"Operation
Barbarossa".
"This campaign will not in any way interfere with the ongoing
"Hurricane Exodus" - which on Saturday, April 13, 2013, at about 01:00
Hrs, swept through the Ewellesuo community, Nembe, Bayelsa State,
leaving the destruction of well 62, belonging to Shell Petroleum in
its wake. We may only consider a ceasefire of "Operation Barbarossa"
if theChristian Association of Nigeria (CAN), theCatholic Church and
Henry Okah, one of the few leaders in the Niger Delta region we
respect for his integrity, intervenes. 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 MediaCoordinator of the JTF, Lt.
Col. Onyema Nwachukwu stated that those attemptingto christen
themselves MEND today are impostors and a bundle of "never do wells"
who want to be accorded undue recognition at the ex pence 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 Orkar 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. Niger Deltans be not deceived by the tricks of the
devil. Lawlessness is never a solution. Obviously their aim is to
engender panic and a sense of insecurity in the region using MEND's
name but we assure them that their cup is full and will soon be caught
up with by the law."
"We urge all Community leaders, opinion leaders and all peace loving
Niger Deltansnot 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."
On MEND's claim of being responsible forthe massive oil leakages from
Oil Well 62 in Ewerusuo community in Nembe kingdom,the JTF
spokesperson argued that the claim is false. "The claim by
thosecriminals of blowing up a well head is false as our troops on
patrol along NembeCreek 1 Flow Station have earlier reportedan
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 troopsand 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, 3 shovels, food items,
cooking pots, sleeping mat, foot wears, 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."
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