Armed Troops Invade And
Occupy Venue Of Proposed
MEND Meeting
By Felix Ojong | Staff Writer - Jul 25, 2015

It was drama at the Izon House in the capital of
Bayelsa Saturday, July 25, 2015, the proposed
venue of the keenly watched meeting of the Niger
Delta militant group, the Movement for the
Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) as
armed soldiers and policemen invaded the
building in the early hours of the today.
The proposed meeting of “commanders and
leaders of various wings” of the militant
group was being convened by MEND leader,
Government Ekpemupolo , also known as
Tompolo, and was slated to hold at the Izon
House (also known as Ijaw House) by 2 pm. A
copy of the invitation signed with Tompolo’s
traditional title, Izon Ibe-Ebidouwei of Izon
Nation was made available to The Trent.

When contacted, Tompolo, speaking through his
media aide, Comrade Paul Bebenimibo, confirmed
that the meeting was aimed at “deliberating on
recent developments in Nigeria as well as the fate
of the Niger Delta region in the current political
dispensation” with a view at charting a path for
progress of the region.
A top security official, who spoke to The Trent
earlier in the week, on conditions of anonymity,
said that the planned meeting was a source of
serious concern for military and the security
agencies of the country.
An eye-witness who passed by the Izon House at
1 pm told The Trent that residents of the town
noticed a heavy military presence around the
area.

“Some people wondered if someone important,
like the president was coming to town,” the eye-
witness said. “People were advising us to stay
away from that area. Just to be safe. The
soldiers were so fierce looking.”
“Com’on, this display of force was uncalled for,”
another Yenagoa resident told our reporter.
“Militants don’t meet like that. When we heard
MENDS was meeting here (Yenagoa), we knew it
was a joker. The government should have known that.
Security sources confirm to The Trent
that Tompolo and other Niger Delta militancy
group commanders such as Mujahid Dokubo
Asari , commander of Niger Delta People’s
Volunteer Force (NDPVF), and Ateke Tom, leader
of Niger Delta Vigilante, and Ebikabowei Victor
Ben, also known as Boyloaf , a MEND commander
have been placed under security watch since
President Jonathan lost the March elections.
The Bayelsa State Governor had appealed to
MEND to postpone the meeting.
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has issued a
statement, Saturday, condemning the invasion of
the Ijaw House, where the Bayelsa State Ministry
of Ijaw National Affairs and Council has its offices
and also serves as the administrative
headquarters of the Ijaw National Congress (INC)
and the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC).
In a statement signed by spokesperson for the
IYC, Eric Omare, the youth group said that the
invasion was illegal, unconstitutional, and a draw
back to the dark days of military dictatorship in
which Nigerians were deprived of their
fundamental human rights.
“The IYC wishes to remind the President and
Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari
that we are in a constitutional democracy where
things are done according to law.
“The 1999 Constitution which is the foundation
upon which our democracy is built recognizes the
right to freedom of assembly and movement.
“The Niger-Delta people whether as ex-agitators
or youth groups have the right to assembly in a
meeting and free movement.
“The fears of many Nigerians that General Buhari
would take Nigeria back to the dark days of
dictatorship where there is no regard for human
rights are coming to reality.
“President Buhari did not go to a war with the
Niger Delta people in the March 28, 2015
Presidential election with Niger-Delta born
Goodluck Jonathan but only contested an
election for which he came out victorious.
“We are therefore at loss as to why President
Buhari has decided to treat the Niger Delta region
like an enemy zone and a conquered territory,”‘
the statement read in part. www.thetrentonline.com/armed-troops-invade-and-occupy-venue-of-proposed-mend-meeting/?utm_content=buffer038e5&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Ok

Really!

.

The fear of ND militants is the beginning of watchfulness

Now...who is boss?

The army can occupy MEND venues but can't occupy our consciousness, the agitation has begun in earnest.

Wish they can use the same enthusiasm on Bokoharam. It will do us more good

Sunofgod:
'

. Time wil tell, buhari can not win na God go win.

But can't occupy Borno state wow clap for yourselves

soe:
Now...who is boss?

Help me ask them oo

MEND should caution themselves, Nigeria military are searching for cockroaches. You are nothing before nigeria military. Be warned!

It is well in jesus name

When will nigeria know peace another drama

That is why Nigeria Army always failed. I pity the Army wen MEND and militant start wasting them people we be here saying rubbish.

Why is DAFTUS scared of Tompolo and his other soilders

soe:
Now...who is boss?

No boss yet just pray it don't go beyond this, if not tho army are nothing ND Militants trust me. If boko haram strike now then you will understand were am coming from.