Delta Community Leaders raise alarm over 'invasion'

Ugborodo, Warri South West, Delta State 

There is palpable tension in oil-rich Ugborodo community in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State over reports that a combined team of military squad planned to invade the community in the early hours of today

Although it was believed that the operation was targeted at perceived illegal bunkerers, our reporter learnt that it may not be unconnected with the crisis rocking the leadership of Ugborodo Community Trust, the apex body handling the community’s affairs.

The spiritual head (Olaja-Orori), an open critic of the faction has been in detention since November when he was arrested for alleged illegal bunkering and other sundry crimes.

Meanwhile, it was gathered that the latest  invasion was expected to take place at about 3:00am today, with troops from NNS Delta, Warri Naval Base and men from the Joint Task Force.

A text message circulated by leaders of the community yesterday claimed: “This time, they plan to invade Aruton (Ugborodo) community with a combined military force comprising the Navy and Army on Saturday, January 4, 2014 at 3:00am.

“This unholy plot has reached advanced stage with the Navy team from the NNS Delta team led by one lieutenant (names withheld) being briefed and primed for the operation.

“The reason adduced for this unwarranted invasion, the second within two months, is the trumped up allegation of illegal bunkering activities and crude oil theft against the poor, peace-loving people of the community.

“The crime of these innocent, defenseless Nigerians is that they dared to speak out against injustice and maladministration of their funds”.

They lamented that allegation of illegal bunkering was a ploy to further attack known and perceived opponents of the Ereyitomi-led faction.

“Suffice to say that the imaginary excuse of illegal bunkering adduced for this planned invasion of these peace-loving communities is tantamount to giving a dog a bad name in order to hang it. There are no illegal bunkerers in these communities. Those planning the invasion are in a better position to know this,” the statement added.

The Base Information Officer, NNS Delta Lt Ibrahim Yohanna, who was contacted for reaction to the allegation, denied it. He said the operation was to provide security for a firm going to the area to sink borehole for the people.