Pipeline explosion: Soldiers invade Gbaramatu in search of militants

Soldiers invaded the Okpelama community of Gbaramatu kingdom, in Warri South West Local Government Area, Delta State, on Saturday night, in search of militants who allegedly bombed crude oil and gas pipelines just after a court ordered the arrest of former militant Government Ekpemupolo popularly known as Tompolo.

Militants

The Vanguard reports that the soldiers were also keeping surveillance on Kurutie, the hometown of Tompolo and Oporoza, the traditional headquarters of Gbaramatu kingdom.

Meanwhile, Tompolo has said he knows nothing about the attacks and did not order the bombing of oil installations.

A source in the community told Vanguard that the soldiers, who arrived in gunboats at about 10.45 pm, broke into the homes of the villagers who ran into the bush on sighting the troops.

His words: “We have all  relocated to the forest for safety. We saw them (soldiers) breaking into houses, probably in search of arms and those responsible for the attacks on the pipeline facilities a few days ago.”

According to him some members of the community were still in the bush as at 7.30am on Sunday.
Chairman of the community, confirmed the invasion saying most villagers were taken by surprise. He said many have fled for fear of battle between militants and the soldiers.

“At the moment, my community is practically a ghost town, the people are running away to Warri and other places,” he said.

Source: The Vanguard