Dayo Johnson
6 August 2008
Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), yesterday, dissociated itself from the kidnap of nine chieftains of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State.
The politicians were kidnapped on Saturday by a groups claimed to be MEND in the riverine Ese Odo council area of the state.
However, MEND leader, Jomo Gbomo, in an e-mail sent to our correspondent in Akure said its "men were not responsible for the series of criminal activities being perpetrated by the Ondo-based group, adding that MEND was not established for political thuggery.
According to the statement, "The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), again, dissociates itself from the group claiming to be MEND members responsible for the abduction of some PDP members in Ondo State as reported in several national dailies on Tuesday, August 5, 2008.
"MEND remains focussed on its core objective and will not be involved in political thuggery; and use this opportunity to request the armed group holding the hostages to release them."
Militants who called themselves Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND), weekend, kidnapped nine PDP chieftains including Chief Normal Eleme, Kekemeke Mike, Maimaise Kekemeke, Okey Inakedou, Friday Okeamniniwei, Oriamaja Success, Onuwe Bibi, Patrick Kemini and Edwin Okakpo.
Secretary to the State Government, Mr Isaacs Kekemeke, in his reaction described development in the area as a survival war.
Kekemeke who confirmed the kidnap said the "so called criminals are afraid that some leaders of the area are out to dislodge them."
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