Oporoza natives panic as Navy mounts gunboats

By Our Reporter

Tension mounts in Niger Delta as the Nigerian Navy has allegedly laid siege at Escravos, anchoring its gunboats at the front of Oporoza creek, the traditional headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta state.

Our correspondent in a chat with Barr. Gideon Mulade from the Escravos River claimed that the Navy was harassing and intimidating speedboats, passengers plying the river routes and fishermen using local hand pulling canoes thereby making life uncomfortable for the people in the area.

He was however afraid that it might lead to another breakdown of law and order in the peaceful area. He therefore urged the Naval authority to look into the matter, noting that election would be taking place in Bayelsa and not Delta state, hence the security agents should go to  Bayelsa creeks and police that area and not Delta.

Barr. Mulade disclosed that there was no election or whatsoever taking place in Delta state and wondered why the military would choose to come and pose threat and tension in the minds of the people living peacefully among themselves.

While Speaking to the Spokesman (FIYEWEI) of Gbaramatu Kingdom, on a telephone chat, High Chief Godspower Gbenekama JP confirmed that the Navy at Escravos said the operation was a routine exercise not to arrest or intimidate anyone in the area, adding that they were all over the river, both at Burutu axis keeping surveillance because of the election coming up weekend in Bayelsa State.

Chief Gbenekama said the Navy commander has assured him that they were not going to enter any community to intimidate or harass anybody but would abide to their roles of engagement. He as well pleaded with the Navy Commander to tell his officers and ratings to be professional while discharging their duties in the area.