Unspecified number of youths have reportedly sustained injuries during an attempt to rescue one Comrade Freeborn Abraye who was allegedly abducted at Oporoza on Monday.
The victim, Abraye, was said to have drawn the ire of certain elders of the community after publishing a story exposing the overstaying in power by Johnbull Demedi as the chairman of Oporoza.
Demedi’s tenure was said to have elapsed April 3, 2018, but has remained in power for another year and a month now through the alleged connivance and endorsement of a few elders of the community against the wish of the generality of the people.
The kidnap and subsequent rescue of Abraye by youths loyal to him on Monday has generated tension at Oporoza, famed for constant military invasions over militants activities against economic assets.
The protesting youths are demanding the immediate removal of Demedi as chairman of the community forthwith.
Oporoza, the country home of former militant, Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo, is the traditional headquarters of Gbaramatu kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State
TribuneOnline learnt on Monday from a reliable local source that youths against the continuous stay of Demedi in power, after rescuing their hero, took to the streets with placards calling for his removal.
The youths were said to have earlier handed a 14-day ultimatum to elders of the community who are backing Demedi to remain in power, to advise him to vacate the seat or face stiff resistance.
The ultimatum is said to be expiring May 8, 2019, for the chairman to resign, but the sudden abduction of their hero, Abraye on Monday precipitated the uprising in the Ijaw enclave.
Tribune Online gathered that the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, HRM Oboro Gbaraun Aketekpe had earlier scheduled a meeting with the aggrieved youths tomorrow May 7 at 10: 00 a.m before Monday’s new development.
In pictures forwarded to Tribune Online by sources from the community, the youths were seen brandishing placards with inscriptions such as “Freeborn Abraye is our hero,” Johnbull is no longer our chairman,” and Johnbull’s visionless administration is over, he’s no longer our chairman,” among others.
A fatigued mother of one of the injured youths was sighted being lifted from the floor by some of the protesting youths.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the Gbaramatu Traditional Council, Chief Godspower Gbenekama, did not respond to a message sent to his mobile line.
Chairman of Warri South West Local Government Area, Hon. Taiye Duke Tuoyo, when contacted, said he was not aware of the Monday protest and abduction saga.
He promised to confirm the development and get back to Tribune Online.
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