The Gbaramatu Traditional Council has raised alarm that the Nigerian Army are just looking for an excuse to burn down the Oporoza community after about 30 heavily armed soldiers invaded the town in search of pipeline bombing militants.
Oporoza is the traditional headquarters of Gbaramatu kingdom, the hometown of ex-militant boss, Government Ekpemupolo also known as Tompolo.
According to reports, about 30 combat ready soldiers had arrived the comminity in gunboats and proceeded to search every nook and cranny for the Niger Delta Avengers- a militant group that has claimed responsibility for the bombing of some gas pipelines.
Speaking on the invasion however, the acting secretary of Gbaramatu traditional council, Godspower Gbenekema noted that it was the second time in a week the soldiers would appear.
Gbenekema who declared that there were no militants in the community revealed his skepticism of the purpose of the soldiers’ visit.
“Our fear is: the military is testing the ground. And one day, they will destroy the community,” he said. “Why are they invading our community every time, without our notice? They should leave us alone. For soldiers to rush into a community without seeing the king, who is the head of the kingdom, is not a good development. They are treating us like a conquered people. We feel they are looking for an excuse to burn down the community.”
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