From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Former youth leader of Nembe Youth Federation, Theophilus Iruo, has debunked reports by a former youth president of the community, Moses Ayerite, of vandalising and destroying of houses in the community.
Ayerite had, in a statement, raised an alarm that his houses were vandalised by loyalists of Kojo Sam and allegedly shielded by the police.
Iruo, in a statement, also said there were no factions in the Nembe Youth Federation as the leadership of Ayerite was duly sacked and replaced in line with the guidelines of the community because of its incompetence, high-handedness and reign of terror during which several houses were destroyed in the community and many people sent on exile.
According to him, there is no iota of truth in the allegations that loyalists of Sam were involved in any untoward activity in the community.
Iruo, who described Kojo as a peace-loving man that wants the development of Nembe-Bassambiri, through his various development and empowerment programmes, warned Ayerite to desist from his campaign of calumny.
He described allegations of illegal oil bunkering and violence levelled against the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT), as another wide allegation that defies reasoning.
Iruo noted that the SWAT team deployed on August 12, 2023 to the community by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, have been the saving grace that rescued the community from the descent to anarchy.
He pointed out that the presence of the police operatives deployed from Abuja which ensured they cannot be compromised has made certain elements uncomfortable.
Iruo said the allegations of illegal oil bunkering against the professional unit is part of the grand plot to force the IGP to withdraw the police operatives and pave the way for the invasion of the community by retrogressive forces.
He called on the police and other security agencies to beam their searchlight on the activities of Ayerite as it pertains to visits to militant camps and threats of attack on SWAT team.
Iruo urged the IGP to investigate all allegations against Ayerite and his sponsors to ensure they face the wrath of the law.