Niger Delta Terror: Soldiers Burst Into Homes And Arrest Tompolo Associates

By Emma Amaize

Solidiers have arrested suspected associates of ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, in Warri, Delta State.

A dependable source said that two of them, including a member of Delta Waterways and Land Security Committee, DWLSC and ex-councilor were arrested by soldiers Tuesday morning.

Many others were said to be on the run. A source, who confirmed the arrest of Simon Bebenimibo and Bomboy Oluwa, said they were taken to the military barracks in Effurun.

Spokesperson of the Ijaw People Development Initiative, IPDI, Mr Daniel Ezekiel, condemned the military for allegedly breaking into the residence of the DWLSC member through the roof and arresting him without a court warrant. He said:

“We condemn the military action of breaking in through the roof of Simeon Bebenimibo’s home without a court warrant to arrest him, an act that amounts to kidnapping and abduction.

“This is barbaric, obnoxious and unlawful. The military has no such powers except empowered by a valid court warrant. It is sad and we are disappointed.

“It is very disappointing and it is our demand that those military officers, who conducted themselves as kidnappers should be court marshalled.

“Bebenimibo hails from Gbaramatu Kingdom and is a member of Delta State Waterways and Land Security Committee. The military invaded his home in Warri at 12.05 a.m., on Tuesday in three trucks in a commando fashion as if they were going to war.

“In the process, they subjected his entire household, among them his little kid of five years, to a traumatic experience.”