There will be violent attacks on mosques, hajj camps, Islamic institutions, large congregations of Islamic followers, and killing of clerics who propagate doctrines of hate, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has warned.
In a Sunday evening statement signed by its spokesperson Gbomo Jomo, MEND stated that the attacks would be staged under Operation Barbarossa to save Christianity from annihilation.
“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,” a part of the statement read.
“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 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, 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.”
But Media Coordinator of the JTF, Lt. Col. Onyema Nwachukwu dismissed the threat, saying those attempting to christen themselves MEND today are “impostors and a bundle of never do wells” seeking unmerited recognition at the expense of peace in the Niger Delta region.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Onyema urged 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 also described as false, the group’s claim of responsibility for the oil leakages in 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 have 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,” he said.
“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.”
Onyema added that the camp had been destroyed in situ and patrols would be maintained, and that the oil well was shut down to avoid further spill pending repairs.
