Tension in Edo as JTF invades ex-militant’s home

Anxiety has enveloped Ajakurama in Ovia South West Local Government of Edo State as operatives of the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta stormed the community demanding the whereabouts of a repentant militant, Ojuemi Perediseghabofa.

The security operatives, who reportedly stormed the community at about 1am on July 18, 2013, took away Perediseghabofa’s wife when they could not locate the ex-militant.

Counsel for the ex-militant, Mr. Famous Maka, stated this in a petition to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika.

In the petition obtained on Sunday, Maka said the Ajakurama people had been in fear since the soldiers visited the community and left behind a message that they would again storm the area if the ex-militant did not report to their base at Ajide.

Maka, who urged the Army chief to stop any further invasion of the community, said the JTF operatives could have used the Amnesty Office to invite the ex-militant for interrogation if he did anything wrong.

He said, “During this unexpected invasion, virtually all Ajakurama people slept in the bush. Consequently, one Mr. Bewo Itiphan died due to psychological shock.

“All the ex-militant’s rooms were searched, the window glass were shattered and his 32 inches flat screen television and many other things destroyed. Before they left the community, they left a warning that if the community, within 24 hours, does not produce the ex-militant, they will burn down the community.

“Sir, what is baffling in the whole matter is that the ex-militant leader is one of the persons that embraced the Federal Government Amnesty programme. He can be officially invited by any government agencies to answer any allegation against him.”

Meanwhile, Maka said the soldiers later released the ex-militant’s wife.

When our correspondent contacted the Public Relations Officer in charge of the ‘4’ Brigade Benin, Captain Rosalyn Managbe, she said she was not aware of the invasion.


Source: Punch