The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) can confirm that seven
more civilians were killed in cold blood on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 by the soldiers of
the military Joint Task Force.

The seven comprising 4 children, 1 woman, an elderly man, and the boat driver were
shot without warning as they approached the JTF checkpoint mounted in the inland
waterway at Kangbene community in Delta state.

These individuals had been living inside the bush and only got help to move them to
Warri refugee camps when they were killed.

This is one of several killings going on inside the creeks on a weekly basis. The
area has been closed to humanitarian bodies, journalists and international observers
to hide the atrocities. The soldiers that carry out such indiscriminate killings
happen to come mainly from Northern Nigeria.

Most of the soldiers are on drugs which continues to alter their mental status. They
are showing signs of panic attacks, frustration, hatred and depression.

Jomo Gbomo