The Movement for the Emancipation and the Defence of the Niger Delta (MEND) has reacted angrily to the 72 hours ultimatum given to Delta State Governor, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, yesterday, June 13, by Fulani Jihadists to withdraw his support of the ban on open grazing or they would attack the state. The threat was contained in a letter pasted at several places in Asaba, the state capital, in response to Okowa’s role in hosting the recent meeting of Southern Governors that announced a ban on open grazing.

In a statement circulated on Monday morning entitled “RESPONSE TO THE FULANI THREAT TO OKOWA ON OPEN GRAZING BAN BY THE SOUTHERN GOVERNORS”, MEND warned of dire consequences if the jihadists carry out their threat.

“We will respond proportionately ten times whatever you give, the corresponding response will not be limited to the Delta, It may be with your politicians or with your rulers.

We will launch three rocket launchers and ballistic missiles at any facility of our choice as a warning in seven days if you make bold your threats,” MEND said in the statement signed by a man with the alias Dragon War.

“We don’t make cheap our threats,” the group warned. “We have shutdown the country and we can at anytime shut you down. We are the Niger Delta, We stand for the interest of the Niger Delta and we will not allow any coward threaten us. We fight without running.

“Be warned.”