Fear of military invasion has gripped some Niger Delta comminutes as unmarked helicopters continue to hover around the home of former militant leader Asari Dokubo.
Mr. Dokubo had threatened to shoot down the helicopters, alleging that the Nigeria army was spying on him and would not hesitate to fight if invaded. But the flying missions continued on Friday with residents of the Obuama community confirmed seeing the choppers with armed military men positioned to fire shots.
“We are living in fear, not knowing what these helicopters are here for,” 65-year-old Mrs. Blessing Ebenezer told Vanguard.
“We can’t sleep at night, thinking something terrible might happen.”
Also speaking Chief Barr. Opuene, a community leader, added: “The presence of these unmarked helicopters is unsettling. We urge the authorities to reassure us of our safety.”
Dokubo-Asari, leader of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force (NDPVF), has long been an advocate for resource control and minority rights in the region, making his residence a focal point of concern.
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters warned Mr. Asari Dokubo not to provoke the military.
“Now, the comment by an individual that he can shoot down military helicopters is laughable. And I am about to laugh at that,” said the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, during a chat with news reporters in Abuja.
“I tell you that Asari Dokubo doesn’t have that capability to fight the army, but I will allow the security forces responsible for such matters to take it up. As for us, come to the battlefield, and we’ll take you out. He should come to the battlefield and see whether we can react or not.”
