By: Felix Ikpotor
…As scores of women protest in Bori
The army in Rivers State has denied arresting or molesting Chief Gbaranee Barinaadaa, paramount ruler of Bua Yeghe in Ogoni.
Spokesperson of the 2 Brigade of the Nigeria Army in Port Harcourt, Eli Lazarus said the chief was only invited for questioning.
The army spokesman who stated this while briefing journalist at the army barracks in Port Harcourt yesterday said his invitation was due to the security situation in his domain.
Although he did not disclose whether the chief has been released, he however, said investigations are ongoing and when it is completed they will communicate to the people.
Meanwhile, scores of women from Bua Yeghe led by the wife of the paramount ruler, Mrs. Barinaadaa Gbaranee took to the streets of Bori, traditional headquarters of Ogoni in protest of the arrest of her husband.
The protesting women who took their protest to the Divisional Police Headquarters in the area condemned Gbaranee’s arrest and demanded his immediate release.
The protesters also threatened to block the ever busy Yeghe-Bori road if their chief is not released.
However, reports say Justice Mohammed Lima of a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has ordered the army authorities to release the paramount ruler.
Similarly, the army in Rivers State says it killed two suspected criminals along Afam-Tai road in Ogoni while four others escaped with gunshot wounds.
Army spokesman, Eli Lazarus also disclosed that three persons were rescued by men of the army in Ubima from suspected kidnappers, adding that the culprits are presently on the run.
