Military Arrest PDP Loyalist, Raises Fears Of Insecurity In Ogoniland

Ahead of the re-run elections for the state ad national assembly seats in Ogoniland, five persons were Sunday morning arrested in Yeghe Ogoniland, including a strong loyalist of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr. John Sorbarikor Gbarazia.

Also arrested is the wife of John S. Gbarazia, Mrs Gloria Gbarazia. John Gbarazia is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Yeghe. The identity of others could not be immediately ascertained as at the time of filling this report. John was reportedly arrested along with his wife while they were asleep in his home.

Community sources say the military came into the community with an armored tank to conduct the arrests. At about 5 am, they shot to scare residents after arresting their targets including a strong loyalist of the PDP in the community. The whereabouts of those arrested remain unknown, sources close to the community said today.

The reason for the arrest is unknown but there are speculations his arrest could be connected with the forth-coming legislative re-run elections.

The military is yet to make a statement on the arrests.

Since February this year, the Yeghe community, a stronghold of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has come under severe military raids leading to the death of over 12 persons including children who were reported to have collapsed and died on citing the military and heavy tanks during the raids.

We will keep you updated on this story.
Vera BI
For: Editor, Ogoni news daily.