Soldiers on Saturday afternoon broke into the home of ex-militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo in a bid to arrest him after laying a siege to the building for several hours.

THE PUNCH learnt that the soldiers made their way into the building after several gunshots. The building which is said to be owned by Tompolo, also served as a guesthouse. The soldiers were also said to have broken into the community shrine (Oporoza Temple), destroying important artifacts after they failed to apprehend Tompolo, who was their prime target.

Tompolo is believed to be the chief priest of the Gbaramatu goddess. The temple is a stone throw from the invaded guest house.

Spokesman for the Ijaw Youth Council, Eric Omare, while confirming the invasion, called on the federal government to leave the people of Gbaramatu alone. Omare, who spoke with our correspondent on the telephone, also confirmed the arrest of the occupants, who he said were merely community youths.

A community youth leader, identified as Mr Raph, who also confirmed the incident, said women and children were fleeing the community for safety. Raph said he was calling from his hideout, where he had been since the soldiers took over the community.

As of 5:30pm, when our correspondent called back, the heavily armed soldiers were yet to leave
Oporoza, according to Raph. Several calls put across to the spokesman for the JTF, Col. Isa Ado, and his NNS Delta counterpart, Lieutenant Lamu, were not answered.

Spokesman for the Ijaw Youth Council, Eric Omare, while confirming the invasion, called on the federal government to leave the people of Gbaramatu alone.

simplycarro:
No rest for the wicked.
Gbaramatu people, you do anyhow, you shall definitely see anyhow. Govt no dey tire.
The ultimate is to burst into the govt house in Asaba, that deputy governor is in for it,

Tolexander:
Mr Eric Omare, please tell Tompolo to come out of his hiding place and present himself to the Nigerian government.

Buhari is not smiling!

IDnoble1:
Tombolo ti juba eworo, Omo to ba ni Iya oun koni sun.....

Businessideas:
But Tompolo and his boys are the aggressors.I think the soldiers should ignore these mouthpieces for those militants sabotaging Nigeria and try as much as possible to protect innocent civilians.
I blame the Nigerian security officers for treating the pre-election threats with kid gloves. Our security apparatus should stop waiting for havoc before reacting. If all those people who threatened to cause mayhem once President Jonathan loses the election had been placed on security watch, their phones taped, house and automobiles wired, at least, they will get traces. Now they are wasting our resources and perhaps lives. So so sad.

idupaul:


Sorry

Businessideas:

I think you strike my memory with the deputy governor angle, I know that he was put forward by Tompolo but,
Please is the deputy governor connected to it?

simplycarro:


Of course he is neck deep in the militancy. He is a stooge of Tompolo.

Businessideas:
But Tompolo and his boys are the aggressors.I think the soldiers should ignore these mouthpieces for those militants sabotaging Nigeria and try as much as possible to protect innocent civilians.
I blame the Nigerian security officers for treating the pre-election threats with kid gloves. Our security apparatus should stop waiting for havoc before reacting. If all those people who threatened to cause mayhem once President Jonathan loses the election had been placed on security watch, their phones taped, house and automobiles wired, at least, they will get traces. Now they are wasting our resources and perhaps lives. So so sad.

zanebaddo:
you de smell Are you from the north?

ebiboy2:
its leadership by example. your president has flouted several court orders yet he wants tompolo not to.
innocent citizens will be caught in the middle of this whole drama.
Lord please help the dullard.

asadike:
they say person na chief priest of gbaramatu kingdom abi na temple, una still.dey look.for am? na him be say tompolo na okara nmuo okara nmadu - half human,half spirit.

Ebay14:
Its a pity that things are just going this way for Nigeria.. Nothing seems to b working. I guess the mistake has already been done how do we correct this

Gr8tasign:
Desperate buhari and his men wasting their time


The truth is that nigerians are tired of nigeria

menix:
Good to be back after 3 month Ban, an awesome Holiday.

@Topic:
Those soldiers ve just bought the wrath of Arusi ndi Gbaramatu.

By The time this goddess begin to comot their name from Payroll them go begin say COAS is against them..

Only spirit can catch spirit, Nigerian Army should stop disturbing the peace of the community..