JUST IN: MEND Advises FG On Kidnapped Chibok Schoolgirls

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, has warned the Federal Government over its move to rescue the school girls kidnapped at the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State on 14 April, 2014.

According to a statement signed by MEND's Spokesman, Jomo Gbomo, in Yenagoa on Wednesday, the group cautioned the FG against the use of force to rescue the abducted schoolgirls.

The group implored President Goodluck Jonathan led federal government to agree to the option of prisoners swap as demanded by the Boko Haram insurgents.

* Photo of kidnapped schoolgirls

The statement also stated that the swap deal is the only viable option for peace and ceasefire.

“From our experience, it is impossible for any forceful commando-type rescue in forests or creeks to be successful.

“The Israelis encouraging such a move should understand that Sambisa Forest is a different kettle of fish from Entebbe International Airport,’’ it said.

* Some members of MEND

The group also commended the FG for releasing 54 members of MEND, including an ex-militant commander, Mr Tamunotonye Kuna, at Port Harcourt Prison without trial.

It said that Kuna, who had been held since December 2010, had voluntarily submitted his weapons to the Joint Task Force (JTF) during the amnesty proclamation in the Niger Delta.

The statement, however, urged the federal government to consider the unconditional release of other MEND detainees held on trumped-up charges such as the Okah brothers. 

The Nigerian government has said its not ready to negotiate with the militants group Boko Haram on the kidnapped schoolgirls.

Source: Legit.ng