...As Calls Intensify to Revoke Tompolo's Pipeline Surveillance Contract Amidst kidnapping and Running of Private Prison.

Chief Pius Wariyai has made a renewed call to the presidency, demanding immediate government action against Mr. Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo. 

Wariyai is asking federal authorities to compel Tompolo to release two Bayelsa men, Balamene Karowei and Charles Korubo, who are allegedly being held in a private prison.

According to the family of Balamene Karowei, Tompolo ordered Bodamas Kemepadei to take Karowei away on July 11, 2024. 

The abduction was allegedly carried out with the assistance of two Civil Defence officers and several other Bayelsa residents who acted as informants for the operation.

In a related incident, Charles Korubo was abducted during a heavy gunfight in Yenagoa. Reports indicate that Joshua Maciver sent the gunmen who took Korubo hostage, with Bodamas also participating in the operation before Korubo was taken away to Oporoza.

It has now been more than two years since Balamene Karowei was taken, and nearly two years since Charles Korubo was abducted. Both men are reportedly still held in captivity and suffering inside Tompolo's private detention facility.

Wariyai expressed deep disappointment that a private citizen is permitted to operate an illegal private prison under a democratic government. He criticized both the state and federal governments for failing to intervene or address the ongoing illegal detention of citizens.

The chief further alleged that Tompolo has misused the power granted to him through the lucrative pipeline surveillance contract given to his private security firm, Tantita Security Services. 

Since gaining the security contract, Tompolo and his company have reportedly caused severe security threats, including local assassinations, kidnappings in Yenagoa, and general terror against local communities.

In light of these allegations, Wariyai urged the President to immediately remove Tompolo and Tantita Security Services from operating in Yenagoa and bring him to face the law. 

He stated that funds coming from Bayelsa State are being misused to empower a specific group to carry out violent acts and intimidate local residents.

Finally, Wariyai called on the presidency to ensure that Bayelsa State security is managed directly by local leaders under a "Bayelsa for Bayelsans" policy. 

He demanded that the pipeline surveillance contract be revoked from Tompolo and handed over to capable local figures, such as Chief Victor-Ben Ebikabowei and other leaders, to oversee security affairs in the state.