The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has again vowed to reduce Nigerian oil production to zero level by 2015, even as it claimed responsibility for the attack on patrol boat of the Joint Task Force on the Nembe-Bassanbiri waterways in Bayelsa state.
Jomo Gbomo, the spokesperson for MEND, in a statement said the attack is heralding the group’s strategic plan to bring the nation’s oil production in the Niger Delta region to a halt.
“MEND confirms that the attack on a Joint Task Force patrol boat on Saturday January 25, 2014, in the Nembe-Bassanbiri waterways, Bayelsa State was carried out by our fighters.
“This relatively insignificant attack is a reminder of our presence in the creeks of the Niger Delta and a sign of things to come. Contrary to speculations, they were not “sea pirates”, but a new group of MEND ‘Trainee fighters’.
“Our silence thus far, has been strategic and at the right time, we will reduce Nigerian oil production to zero by 2015 and drive off our land, all thieving oil companies.
“In this new phase of our struggle for justice, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta will pay considerable attention to dealing with the occupying Nigerian government forces in the Niger Delta that stand in our way,” Jomo Gbomo said.
The Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa state Command, had confirmed the attack, which left a woman dead and a soldier injured.
