afrol News, 22 September - Nigeria's main militant group has declared a ceasefire in Niger Delta after week long attacks in oil rich region.

Movement for Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) said it has taken a decision to cease hostilities after appeals from tribal leaders in the region, but warned that it would end the truce if attacked by Nigeria's armed forces again.

Militant group emerged about three years ago, calling for more oil revenue to go to southern states where petroleum is pumped. Its attacks have cut Nigeria's oil production by a quarter because of unrest in region.

"Effective 0100 hours (0000GMT) 21 September, exactly one week after we launched our reprisal, MEND will begin a unilateral ceasefire till further notice," group said in a statement.

According to MEND, military operation on 14 September prompted latest violence. Before that, clashes between military and militants were rare, with two sides avoiding outright confrontation.

"We hope that military has learnt a bitter lesson," group said in a statement sent by e-mail. "The next unprovoked attack will start another oil war that will be so ferocious that it will dim the pleas of the elders."

A spokesman for joint military taskforce, Lieutenant Colonel Sagir Musa, which polices Niger Delta, cautiously welcomed Mend's move, expressing his hope that it would not be another tactical deception by the group.

In the past week, militants have attacked gas plants, oil installations and pipelines in some of the worst violence in two years.

The group has made similar truce declarations following previous sabotage campaigns in the past year. Attacks have generally resumed some weeks later. The Joint Task Force of security forces, based in Rivers State, said it was unaware of the ceasefire offer and that its operations would continue as normal.

Violence has increased pressure on Umaru Yar'Adua, Nigeria's president, to show he is committed to fulfilling campaign pledges made last year to focus on ending the conflict.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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