The Nigerian Army on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 admitted that they arrested and detained of an Ogoni paramount ruler, HRH Barinadaa TD Gbaranee of Yeghe Community of Ogoniland, Rivers State.
The Trent had reported that the Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers (COTRA) had raised an alarm on the abduction of HRH Gbaranee. The royal fathers had condemned the abduction, demanded his immediate release, and termed the act an abomination.
The statement was delivered to The Trent by email and signed by COTRA’s chairman, HRH King Suanu T.Y. Baridam.
Following press enquiries, the Nigerian Army has admitted that HRH Gbaranee is in their custody “in connection with on-going investigation”.
Curiously, the statement did not come from the acting director, army public relations, Colonel Sani Usman, who yesterday scoffed at the report of the abduction of the Ogoni chief and dismissively said that “the army does not abduct”.
Captain Eli Lazarus, assistant director, army public relations, 2 Brigade, Port Harcourt issued a statement to News Express saying, “The Paramount ruler of Yeghe Community HRH Barinadaa TD Gbaranee was invited by 2 Brigade Nigerian Army in connection with an ongoing investigation that relates to security within his domain. I assure you that he will return to his community as soon as investigation is completed.”
This arrest comes amidst heightened tension in the oil-rich Niger Delta following renewed militancy in the region. A new militant group, Niger Delta Avengers, has begun a campaign against oil production in Nigeria and has successfully reduced production by 800,000 barrels per day by blowing up strategic pipelines and oil installations.
