MEND Nigeria-Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta-MEND-Official News Site -tracking News, Articles, Interviews and Opinions, related to MEND- from 1999 to Present
Lagos — FOR the first time since the crisis in the Niger- Delta snowballed into a development with implications for global pricing of crude oil and gas, oil prices fell, early last week, despite news that three foreign oil workers had been kidnapped in the region amid signs of escalation.
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Recently the National Geographic magazine published a feature piece on the Niger Delta "Curse of the Black Gold: Hope and Betrayal in the Niger Delta". For those familiar with the issues of the Niger Delta there was really nothing that has not been reported by human rights environmental activists and Human Rights Watch over the past 15 years. What is new and cause for concern is the article "Nigeria and the United States: Convergent Interests" published by the Center for International Policy. A few months back I was contacted via my blog by a US contractor called Carol Chapital asking if I was willing to assist on a project in Nigeria.
Anambra — The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) have concluded plans to impose a sit-at-home order within their territories as part of respect and rites of passage for the over 200 members of MASSOB allegedly killed by security operatives.
Weekly Trust (Abuja)
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Kaduna — Although I promised last week that I would start a series on the state of Black America in the spirit of the month of February, which African Americans have dubbed the "Black History Month," I am compelled to change my topic because I feel an irresistible urge to share my thoughts on the ongoing controversy over CNN's recent report on the Niger Delta.
Rome — Italy yesterday asked its citizens working in Nigeria's oil zone to leave after two technicians were abducted, ANSA news agency reported.
Italians Lucio Moro and Luciano Passarin were abducted after gunmen stormed into the offices of the construction firm Impregilo, some 40 kilometers from from Port Harcourt.
Abuja — THE Federal Government has prepared a five count charge of terrorism against former Internal Affairs Minister, Dr Iyorchia Ayu.
In the charges signed by an attorney, Mr Abdullahi Mikailu on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation, Ayu is to face trial with two others.
Port Harcourt — Yet to be identified gun-men in Rivers State, yesterday, opened fire on two Lebanese workers, killing one.
The duo were driving in their company's (a construction firm) car to inspect a project at Isiokpo when they unexpectedly came under attack.
Abuja — The Federal Government has charged the former Minister for Internal Affairs and the Director General of the Atiku Campaign Organization Dr. Iyorchia Ayu for terrorism.
The charge was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday and Ayu was said to have conspired with other people namely; Timi Frank and Paul Santos Ofana to commit acts of terrorism.
Port Harcourt — THE Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) said yesterday that the Lebanese hostage said to have been set free by it on Wednesday actually escaped, and threatened retaliation against the Italian-owned Eni-Agip which he works for.
Port Harcourt — Militants in the Niger Delta appear divided over the latest threat of attack on oil workers especially expatriates in the region codenamed "Operation Black Cobra" as the Joint Revolutionary Council, the clearing house of militants has dissociated itself from the plan.