The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, has announced its decision to discontinue the planned attacks on mosques and related institutions “Operation Barbarossa” in the interest of peace and unity in the country, and also called for the immediate release of Henry Okah and others in detention over the October 01, 2010, twin car bomb blast.
In an online statement from MEND and signed by its spokesman, Jomo Gbomo, it said “In order to allay the fears and re-assure the public that we are sincere about suspending our May 31, 2013 planned attacks on mosques and related institutions that promote hate and religious intolerance, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, wishes to reiterate once again that “Operation Barbarossa” has been suspended and this decision is irrevocable.
According to the group, “the appeal from well meaning Nigerians, religious bodies and the Nigerian government’s decision to free women and children related to Boko Haram members giving room to meaningful dialogue contributed to our decision”
It continued “however, the final straw that broke the back of our resolve to go ahead came from the intervention of Mr. Henry Okah and Mr. Kingsley Kuku, who is the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and finally with the decline on attacks on Christians inside churches and other places of worship”.
“We once again use this opportunity to call for the release of Henry Okah and others in detention over the October 01, 2010, twin car bomb blast.
