Embattled former militant, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo), has alleged that the Nigerian soldiers who invaded the Gbaramatu Kindgom last month are yet to return the symbol of authority of Egbesu shrine, the Ijaw god they took away.
Tompolo lamented that he military took away the symbol of authority of the Egbesu Shrine and other valuables in Oporoza community during the May 28 invasion of Gbaramatu.
He said, “I have not heard or seen in any part of Nigeria, even the most volatile North Eastern part of Nigeria, where Boko Haram has been killing innocent people, the way and manner the Military desecrated traditional worship centres in Gbaramatu Kingdom.”
Tompolo, who holds the traditional title of Ibeebidouwei of Ijaw Nation, said in a statement yesterday that, “presently all communities in Gbaramatu have been deserted by residents for fear of a repeat of the 2009 military invasion, which still leaves the communities in shambles.”
Tompolo also appealed to the Niger Delta Avengers to drop their arms and let peace reign in the region.
In his statement titled; ‘Further appeal to members of the Niger Delta Avengers to embrace the Federal Government dialogue option’, Tompolo lamented that their activities have caused intimidation of indigenes of the Niger Delta.
The Niger Delta Avengers have, in recent weeks, claimed responsibility for series of oil pipeline bombings.