Why we struck – MEND
From FEMI FOLARANMI, Yenagoa
Saturday, October 02, 2010



The Movement of the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) yesterday claimed responsibility for the bomb explosions that rocked Abuja, saying it took the action to press home its demand for the Niger Delta to control its resources.

According to the spokesman of the group, Jomo Gbomo, there is nothing to celebrate in the 50 years existence of Nigeria since the Niger Delta region, which produces the oil that sustains the country’s economy has been neglected.

The group said that it had planted explosives in cars and waste bins across Abuja to make a statement about its agitation for resource control for the people of the Niger Delta.

The MEND statement reads in part: “With due respect to all invited guests, dignitaries and attendees of the 50th independence anniversary of Nigeria being held today (yesterday), Friday, October 1, 2010 at the Eagle Square Abuja, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) is asking everyone to begin immediate evacuation of the entire area within the next 30 minutes. This warning expires after 10.30Hrs.

“Several explosive devices have been successfully planted in and around the venue by our operatives working inside the government security services. In evacuating the area, keep a safe distance from vehicles and trash bins.
“There is nothing worth celebrating after 50 years of failure. For 50 years, the people of the Niger Delta have had their land and resources stolen from them. The constitution before independence, which offered resource control, was mutilated by illegal military governments and this injustice is yet to be addressed.”


SUN Newspapers 2nd October, 2010.

A lady's glass and shoe.

Aerial view

Another pix.

Another view.

Another shot.

Another scene.

Another picture.

Cars affected

Victim

Another victim

Another view

Body bags, containing victims

A counter militant group would soon rise, it would be called AMEND, and while MEND target the lives of innocent citizens to 'press home' their demands, they would target the lives the murderous, illiterate and crude MEND members. Soon, the hunter would become the hunted.