Crackdown in N’Delta as military hunts for Tompolo, Avengers

The Nigerian military seems to be going all out to capture dissidents in the oil rich Niger Delta area, and secure the region for oil exploration to continue unhindered.

In what is feared may be a re-enactment of the Odi community massacre, the military has invaded two communities in the area in search of a former militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, and members of the new group, Niger Delta Avengers (NDA).

They have invaded Gbaramatu Kingdom, and Kokodiagbene, another Ijaw community, Warri South-West Local Government Area, both in Delta State.

Meanwhile, Tompolo has scolded the military, asserting that their move in raiding Gbaramatu in search of him is futile.

Tompolo, in a statement on Monday, said that the current siege to Gbaramatu Kingdom, and manhunt for him by the military would not guarantee the desired peaceful atmosphere for uninterrupted oil exploration activities by the Federal Government.

Read also: Military arrest N’Delta militants over pipeline attacks

“If not for the common insinuation that the Nigerian judiciary is on trial, why would my case with the EFCC become the greatest issue in Nigeria today when there are so many important things to talk about?

“I am greatly touched and disappointed with the manner the Nigerian government and the military are being arm-twisted by the unfounded claims of Ayiri Emami and others that I am behind the Niger Delta Avengers group when there is no single proof to back the claim”, he said.

In another development, soldiers who invaded Kokodiagbene community were said to have harassed and beaten up innocent people in the community in their search for the NDA members, who were suspected to be hiding in the vicinity after a meeting in Bayelsa state.

A community leader in the area, Mr Sheriff Mulade said, “We condemn strongly the invasion of Kokodiagbene on Saturday by the military Joint Task Force, JTF. Some people were beaten up, while others were harassed. It was uncalled for.”

Meanwhile, the Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, worldwide, says “the combative and insensitive posture” of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government to issues affecting the Niger Delta is responsible for the renewed hostilities in the region.

President of IYC, Mr Udengs Eradiri, at a media briefing on Monday, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, to commemorate this year’s Isaac Boro Day celebration, lamented that issues that gave rise to Boro’s agitation, such as marginalisation and underdevelopment among others, were yet to be addressed.

 

 

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