Avengers deny missile test, says struggle enters ‘new swing’

• Warn Sister Groups Against Harassing Oil Workers
• Claims Time Not Yet To Engage Soldiers
• Dialogue With Militants, INC Urges FG.

Despite government’s hard stance on the Niger Delta Avengers that no group would hold the country to ransom, the shadowy militant group, yesterday, sent a detailed message to “brothers in the struggle” to be resolute and be strong.

In a ‘Message To Our Brothers In the Struggle’, posted on its website and signed by its spokesman, Brig. Gen. Mudoch Agbinibo, the group warned all the groups not to attack soldiers and civilians.

However, worried by the resurgence of militancy in the region, the  Ijaw National Congress (INC) has enjoined the Federal Government to explore the option of dialogue and negotiation, insisting that meeting with stakeholders in the Niger Delta would help stem the  continued attack on oil and gas installations in the region.

It would be recalled that NDA had in an earlier post denied being behind the attack on a houseboat in the outskirts of Warri, during which two soldiers and four civilians were killed.

“Good Afternoon Niger Deltans,” the message began. “The liberation of the Niger Delta people has taken a new swing with the daily emergence of new groups all over the region. The Avengers are calling on all groups in the region to be strong and resolute as it is obvious that God is on our side.

“The groups are much now both real and unreal, but if you are really fighting for the liberation of the Niger Delta people, the high command of the Avengers is calling on you not to attack any soldier and those claiming to have anti aircraft missiles should desist from targeting any aircraft.

“Let us be careful not to offend God in the process of trying to liberate our people from the shackles of the Nigerian government, because we need God more than anything right now.

“We also need the international community as well. Hence, we must desist from any life threatening actions that will derail our genuine struggle for our people. All groups are hereby discouraged from indulging in harassing oil workers and soldiers.

We urge you all to help any oil workers or soldiers you see in distress.”