Gbaramatu Kingdom Frowns the Intimidation, Harassment of Indigenes by JTF Operatives
Gbaramatu/Nigeria: The Fiyewei of Gbararmatu Kingdom, Chief Godspower Gbenekama, has cried out over the purported harassment and intimidation of community indigenes by security operatives who he alleged are members of the Joint Military Task Force, as he appealed to the JTF Commander, Rear Admiral Suleiman Apochi, to immediately call them to order.
This was made Thursday July 19, 2018 in a press release signed by the Fiyewei of Gbaramatu Kingdom and made available to newsmen in Warri.
According to Chief Godspower Gbenekama, the JTF team stormed Oporoza, the Headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom, early hours of Thursday July 19 and started intimidating community members who were asked to raise their hands in the air.
At the time of this report, he said some speed boats belonging to some community members have been towed away to undisclosed location and with no reason given whatsoever for the harassment and disdain treatment of the people.
The Fiyewei (Spokesman) of the kingdom wondered why the mobilisation of armed security men to the traditional headquarters when the kingdom was not at war with anyone, stressing that the kingdom has been very peaceful especially with the kickoff of the Nigerian Maritime University NMU, at Okerenkoko.
According to the fiyewei, he noted that last week the JTF Commander and all Sectional Commanders paid a courtesy call to the Palace of the Pere of Gbaramatu, HRM. Oboro Gbaraun the 11.The Pere of Gbaramatu, adding that ”we had a fruitful meeting with all sides vowing to keep the peace in the area, I wonder why two gunboats(with the inscription P376) are now stationed in Oporoza Jetty to intimidate our people”.He said.
The Spokesman of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Gbenekama appealed to the leadership of the JTF, Rear Admiral Apochi, to wade into the matter urgently, in order to save the community members who are yet to recover over the bombardment of the kingdom from psychological trauma nursed during and after the destruction by the military.
He also called on the acting Governor of Delta state, His Excellency Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, to prevail on the JTF to leave the kingdom in peace, as nothing have actually happened in Gbaramatu kingdom to warrant the siege on people of the area by military operatives.
