MEND says it holds no more hostages

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has told NEXT there are currently no other hostages in its custody. This follows Wednesday morning’s release of six hostages kidnapped 18 days ago from the Norwegian oil tanker, the Sichem Peace.

MEND said it freed the hostages as a “dividend” of the 60-day truce its declared last week following the release from jail of one of its leaders, Henry Okah, who had been facing treason charges.

The group said the six men were released without any ransom payment.

“All the six hostages, comprising of three Russians, two Filipinos and one Indian were released at the same time last night to agents of their employers,” the group said in an email signed by its spokesperson, Jomo Gbomo.

Reuters quoted officials of the Norwegian company, EMS Ship Management, as saying it has received the released men. “The seafarers who were released today will proceed to Lagos where they will receive full medical checks before flying back to their respective countries and homes,” the company said in a statement, according to Reuters.

The militants said with the release of the men, the Nigerian government must now reciprocate by withdrawing its special military unit, the Joint Task Force (JTF), from parts of Delta State and allow displaced people to return home.

The group, however, also expressed scepticism over the Federal Government’s amnesty offer programme; as it said it will not be a part of it. The amnesty offer remains open until October 4. “It is going well for some repentant criminals, but a dismal failure if it is targeted at the militant freedom fighters,” the MEND statement said.

Southwest over reaction

The group also said South-West leaders ‘over-reacted’ to its recent attack on the Atlas Cove. “They are over reacting and taking Panadol for the Federal Government’s headache,” the organisation said.

MEND declared a sixty-day ceasefire on July 15.