MEND Calls Off Planned ‘Operation’ On Muslims, Mosques

Purported plans by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) to attack mosques and Islamic clerics in retaliation of Boko Haram’s attack on Christians and churches, has been called off. In a statement yesterday by its spokesman, Gbomo Jomo, MEND said despite several provocative statements attributed to some Muslim leaders, it had decided to call off the planned attack. “Our planned attacks on mosques and other related agencies of religious intolerance have been called off due to the intervention of well-meaning Nigerians, religious bodies and the Nigerian government’s recent show of sincerity with the order to release from detention women, children, relatives and suspected Boko Haram members giving room for genuine dialogue. “We have also heeded the appeal from Mr Henry Okah and Mr. Kingsley Kuku, Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs. To these effects, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (M.E.N.D) hereby announces the suspension of ‘Operation Barbarossa’ which was to have commenced from Friday, May 31, 2013, with immediate effect. We use this opportunity to call for the release of Henry Okah and others in detention over the October 01, 2010, twin car bomb blast,” the statement said.