My father died as a result of military assault, says Tompolo

Government Ekpemupolo, ex-militant leader better known as Tompolo, has accused the military of culpability in the death of his father.

His father reportedly died at Liliy Clinic, Warri, Delta state, in the wee hours of Wednesday.

Confirming the death of the 84-year-old man, Paul Bebenibo, Tompolo’s spokesman, blamed it on military assault.

“He died in the early hours of today as a result of the military assault on him on at his hometown in Kurutie on May 28,” Bebenibo told TheCable.

In July, Tompolo wrote a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, alleging that one of the limbs of his octogenarian father had been amputated as a result of assault from security agents.

The former commander of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) said many of his aides and family members were being regarded as members of the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), and that the military had been going after them.

“I wish to write your Excellency once again on the continuous harassment and intimidation of my family members and close associates by your security agencies (Nigerian Army, Navy, Department of State Service (DSS), and the Police) in connivance with one Ayiri Emami and Michael Johnny, both members of your party, All Progressives Congress (APC),” the letter read.

“The military men stormed the house of one of my younger brothers, and harassed his pregnant wife with guns pointed at her.

“Sadly, one of his lower limbs was amputated two weeks ago. From the doctors report, it will be a thing of miracle if he survives this incident. Is this 84 years old man also a member of the Niger Delta Avengers, that he was brutalised to the point of death? Will your Excellency accept this in good faith if this was done to your father or someone of this age in your family?

“I have not heard of anyone that was treated like this even in the volatile north-eastern part of the country. I have said it on many occasions that the issue I am having with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will not lead to violence or resort to destruction of pipelines and other oil facilities, because I have a good case.”