The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta has vowed to attack the facilities of telecommunications giant, MTN, in the Niger Delta.
The group, which claimed responsibility for the attack on an Agip truck oil pipeline at Clough Creek, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, also vowed to sustain its attack on the oil industry.
In a statement by its spokesman, Jomo Gbomo, MEND said: “On Friday, April 13, 2012, at about 0210hrs Nigerian time, fighters of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) attacked and destroyed one manifold and one well head on a trunk line operated by Agip Oil Company in Clough Creek, Bayelsa State, in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
“As opposed to our earlier intentions, there will be no pause in our assault on the Nigerian oil industry. There will forthwith be sustained strikes on all pipelines and facilities remotely related to the Nigerian oil industry. Additionally, MEND will commence attacks on MTN South Africa infrastructure in the Niger Delta region. Concerning attacks on MTN-related infrastructure, MEND will issue shortly, a set of guidelines to MTN employees, customers, and owners of properties accommodating MTN communication equipment.
“These guidelines are intended to minimise civilian casualties and forestall unnecessary destruction of privately owned properties accommodating MTN equipment.
“Nigerians will recall that the unconditional offer of amnesty made in good faith by the late President (Umaru) Yar’Adua was intended to create a conducive atmosphere for dialogue aimed at addressing the demands of the people of the Niger Delta. A (President Goodluck) Jonathan presidency and amnesty for militants were not part of our demands and therefore, will never be a solution to armed agitation for justice in the Niger Delta.
“President Goodluck Jonathan has mismanaged the goodwill demonstrated by MEND by misrepresenting himself and his band of charlatans as the reason for the relative calm experienced in the Niger Delta. We have never had any respect for Jonathan and today, most Nigerians understand why. To date, not one of the demands put forward to the Yar’Adua government has been met, neither has the Nigerian government initiated dialogue aimed at addressing any of our demands.”