The people of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area, Delta State, have called on the Federal Government to withdraw the military men who invaded their community on Monday morning.
They have however condemned in strong terms the renewed hostilities in the Niger Delta by a group called Niger Delta Avenger.
The Benemowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Godspower Gbenekama, yesterday disssociated his kinsmen from the activities of the renegade group under the guise of fighting the Niger Delta cause.
He said that the presence of the military in Oporoza, Gbaramatu and the Delta waterways is already creating tension as.people now move in fear.
He said, “At about 12.30am Sunday, the Nigerian Army came in two gun boats loaded with its personnel, throwing the community into panic and tension as the people scampered for safety. Some were even forced to run into the bush to avoid being taken away by the military.
“The military stayed till about 5.30am before they moved their gun boats to an unknown location. We have seen a situation where people want to use the present crisis to cause problem in our community.
“We are not part of the attack and will not support anything that will bring problem to us.”
He said that the order to the military by President Muhammadu Buhari to go after those who perpetuated the recent attack on crude oil pipeline in a Delta is not enough for the military to invade their community, harassing and intimidating innocent citizens of the kingdom.
Gbaramatu is the hometown of former Niger Delta militant, Government Ekpemupolo a.k.a. Tompolo, who has been declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The military has also accused Tompolo of being behind recent attacks on oil pipelines in the Niger Delta.
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