The Nigerian Military has deployed military hardware including attack helicopters to the Niger Delta region for surveillance and protection of critical oil infrastructure in the region. The move may not be unconnected with the announcement by Niger Delta Avengers that an earlier ceasefire deal declared last year has been suspended, paving way for possible resumption of hostilities.
On Tuesday, residents of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West Local Government of Delta State were apprehensive following increased military operations in the area. The residents claimed that several helicopters were seen hovering around the Kingdom especially around the Palace of the Traditional Ruler of the Kingdom of Oporoza. Some of the residents were reportedly fled the area for fear of possible attack.
Meanwhile, the spokesman of the Gbaramatu Kingdom has described the ongoing military exercise as an act of injustice. He claimed that each time there was crisis in the region, the military singles out the Kingdom for military operations all in a bid to terrorize the people. He called on the military to restrain itself in the interest of peace. He also appealed to the Avengers to sheath their sword to allow for further dialogue.
“While we are appealing to the Niger Delta Avengers to sheathe their swords, we don’t know the rationale behind the deployment of troops and gun boats. Gbaramatu people are not at war with the Nigeria government, why is it that anytime there is crisis anywhere; something happens in Bayelsa, or Rivers state, the first port of call is Gbaramatu? We don’t want what happened in 2009 and 2016 to happen again. So, let the military restrain itself and we are still appealing to the Avengers to sheathe their swords"
“The Avengers that were operating in 2016 that would say something, the next day they take drastic action are same people still operating, but somehow they are now listening to us including the traditional ruler that they should sheathe their swords and give government sometime. And thank God nothing has happened since the renewed threat so why the deployment? Military presence in Gbaramatu and other parts of Niger Delta region is capable of escalating the crisis"
“Let the military back down. We are also appealing to agitators to sheathe their swords. While we are still appealing to the agitators, the military should back down so that we can sustain the peace while the federal government embarks on one or two projects in the region.”
