Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) threatens to resume hostilities

A group claiming to be the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has threatened to resume attack on oil facilities in the Niger Delta from November 10 if Henry Okah is not released. Okah is facing terrorism trial in South Africa following the October 1 twin bombings in Abuja during Nigeria’s 50th independence anniversary.


The fresh threat is coming amid tension that politicians have infiltrated the ranks of ex-militant leaders to cause confusion in the country. Sunday Sun checks indicated that those behind the plan have been sending text messages warning that MEND is set to resume hostilities on oil installations if Okah is not released.


One of the text messages reads: The NEW MEND Commanders wish to inform all military commanders and oil companies operating in the Niger Delta that we will resume hostility from November 10 to 30 till the Federal Government of Nigeria ask South African government to release our pioneer MEND leader, Mr Henry Okah.” The same group also reportedly masterminded reports that plans have been perfected to blow up the Kaiama and Patani bridges.

According to investigation, the recent blowing up of two pipelines operated by Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) at Osiama field in Southern Ijaw local government area of Bayelsa State on the orders of an ex-militant leader is part of the plot to scuttle the amnesty programme and create an atmosphere of instability in the Niger Delta region ahead the 2011 elections. The report, which the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) has said was not true, is to cause panic and blackmail the government and security agencies to give in to the numerous financial demands of the group working in tandem with some politicians.

The group, which is said to be made up of disgruntled ex-militants, is also instigating crisis within its fold leading to the recent seven day-ultimatum to the Federal Government by the Southern wing of MEND led by Young Shall Grow to improve the welfare of ex-militants. The tension, Sunday Sun learnt, informed the meeting by the Sector 2 Command of the JTF in Bayelsa with some ex-militant leaders as the state has been identified as where the crisis might commence.

Four ex-militant leaders - Victor Ben Ebikabowei (Boyloaf), Eris Paul (Ogunboss), Joshua Maciver and Pastor Reuben - attended the meeting while others stayed away, fueling speculations that all was not well within the ex-militant leaders camps. Sources at the meeting confirmed that some disclosures about the Agip bombing were made, which shocked some of the ex-militant leaders, who had to condemn the action.
Boyloaf, who was said to be visibly angry, warned that they would not allow anybody to destabilize the country as long as Dr Goodluck Jonathan remains President and that they would protect the Niger Delta.
He said those who bombed the Agip pipeline do not understand the Federal Government amnesty and anything they do now would attract the full weight of the law.

Maciver, in his statement, also revealed that there were indeed cracks within the fold of the ex-militants but noted that if someone was angry, there should be a proper way to channel grievances rather than going to vandalize the Agip pipelines. Another ex-militant leader, Ogunboss said they know where those behind the plot were hiding and they would smoke them out even in the swamps.

In an interview with Sunday Sun, Ogunboss confirmed that there was a grand plot to heat up the polity ahead of the 2011 elections. He called on President Jonathan to intensify effort to bring to book all those that have committed heinous crimes in the country and are planning to cause instability in the country.

Already, the JTF has launched a manhunt for the masterminds of the Agip bombing, adding that the command would not tolerate any criminal act from any ex-militant and would descend heavily on them.