Gbaramatu monarch alleges looting, molestation by Army

The Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, HRM. Naira Williams Ogoba Oboro Gbaraun II Aketekpe Agadagba has raised alarm that his life is in serious danger, not taken his bath and placed under house arrest just as he accused the Nigerian military of allegedly laying siege to Oproza community since Saturday.

The Gbaramtu monarch raised the alarm when the Special Adviser to the President on Amnesty, Brig. Gen. Paul Boroh Rtd. on Peace Mission visited the palace of the monarch late Sunday evening.

HRM. Agadagba who felt threatened by the presence of the military in Oproza alleged that an 80 years old Chief Malah Francis was allegedly beaten to stupor allegedly by the military on their arrival to the community.

Agadagba accused the military of allegedly looting properties in the Oproza Guest House in addition to “molesting, intimidating, harassing his subjects as well aside shooting sporadically and invading ” communities under his domain.

He specifically said the military have claimed the Oproza Guest House and other residential buildings in the community and turned same to their operation barracks.

Agadagba who claimed not to have seen his subjects who were severely beaten and arrested also debunked claims that the people of Gbaramatu Kingdom are members of the new militant group, Niger Delta Avengers nor hiding militants in his domain.

The chief claimed that entreaties to speak with the military commander has been futile as he was shunned just as he appealed to the military led by President Muhammadu Buhari to foster cordial community/military relationships to with the Gbaramatu Kingdom with a view to unraveling the truth in the area.

He wondered why the Federal Government humiliated him and his subjects despite their peaceful and calm posture especially in addition to ensuring they apprehend pipeline vandals and put an end to their criminal activities in his domain.

In his words, “Some women are looking for their children. They can’t find presently. The people they are here. I can even called names, they can testify. They are looking for their children crying. I was sitting here seeing the military men, parading my children, tie them like animals , beating them up . In fact, I was touched. I tried to reach their leader but no avail.

Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to the President on Amnesty Matters, Brig. Gen. Paul Boroh Rtd. noted that the military is in Oproza Community to “condone” and “search” for arms and other military related items in the hands of the people as well as keep the peace, ensure stability and not to molest them in view of the recent pipeline bombings by a new militant group, Niger Delta Avengers (NDA).