The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has denied reports that it has released the two South Africans who were recently abducted with 25 others off a vessel in the Niger Delta oil region. ”We challenge the army to produce the South Africans for the world to see,” a statement released by MEND said. The group went on: ”For the avoidance of doubt, MEND wishes to state that we still have custody of the two South African hostages who are doing well and will be released at the earliest convenience as previously stated. ”On the day of their release, the two British hostages will accompany them to the drop-off area to serve as shields to guarantee the safe return of our men back to base.” Apart from the two South Africans, two Britons, 1 Ukranian and 22 Nigerians were taken off the ship by pirates. MEND later claimed to have rescued them from their abductors, with a plan to use them as a bargaining chip for the release of its leader, Henry Okah, who is now being tried by the Nigerian government in secret for gun running, treason and others charges.
