Several riverine communities, including Oporoza and Ogulagha in Delta State, and Ezetu, Aggeh and others in Bayelsa State, have been struck by food and transportation crises following the ongoing Operation Crocodile Smile of the military in the region.
Vanguard gathered that transporters are afraid to ply the waterways because of alleged harassment by soldiers, making it impossible for traders to take food items to riverine villages. Fishermen also find it difficult to carry out their occupation for the same reason.
Meanwhile, the sector One of Operation Delta Safe, the new Joint Task Force in Niger Delta, has announced several arrests and seizures barely one month after it commenced its fight against oil theft and sundry crimes in its area of operation.
Reacting to the alleged harassment of the locals, Ijaw leader, Chief Godspower Gbenekama, told Vanguard in Warri, yesterday: “There is a humanitarian crisis in Gbaramatu as we speak. The Crocodile Smile soldiers have not moved directly into the communities, but they have taken over the waterways, scaring and harassing those going about their normal businesses.
“What that means is that our people are now confined in their homes. They cannot go out or travel on the waterways, which sustain their existence as riverine communities. The panic is aggravated by the report reaching them that army has taken over Warri township too,” he said.
Vanguard gathered that transporters are afraid to ply the waterways because of alleged harassment by soldiers, making it impossible for traders to take food items to riverine villages. Fishermen also find it difficult to carry out their occupation for the same reason.
Meanwhile, the sector One of Operation Delta Safe, the new Joint Task Force in Niger Delta, has announced several arrests and seizures barely one month after it commenced its fight against oil theft and sundry crimes in its area of operation.
Reacting to the alleged harassment of the locals, Ijaw leader, Chief Godspower Gbenekama, told Vanguard in Warri, yesterday: “There is a humanitarian crisis in Gbaramatu as we speak. The Crocodile Smile soldiers have not moved directly into the communities, but they have taken over the waterways, scaring and harassing those going about their normal businesses.
“What that means is that our people are now confined in their homes. They cannot go out or travel on the waterways, which sustain their existence as riverine communities. The panic is aggravated by the report reaching them that army has taken over Warri township too,” he said.