By Gabriel Atumeyi

Suspected security team led by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) led an operation where some Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) camps were bombed in Delta State, the Police commissioner in Delta State, Muhammed Ari, has confirmed.

Earlier, Ari had said the police used helicopter in the state capital around lllah to disperse members of IPOB and send a signal to them that the command is in charge.

He said: “Illah is the base of IPOB. They come from Onitsha, Anambra State to regroup in Illah. We must tell them they are not welcomed in the state. Delta State would be hot for them. Once we identify them through the air, we shall make sure we send them parking and if care is not taken, deal with them the way they want.”

But the acting police public relations officer, DSP Bright Edafe, described the tension in the area as a hoax.

Edafe said people were just spreading rumours, insisting that there was nothing like attack in the community.

“There is nothing like that in Okpanam, the area is peaceful. If they hear gunshot, they will begin to speculate about what is not happening. I can tell you that what is going on in Okpanam is a situation issue which I will not discuss in public,” Edafe said.

Residents in the state capital, Asaba and neighbouring towns including Okpanam have become more security conscious since last month’s anonymous letter threatening to attack Asaba and Agbor if Governor Ifeanyi Okowa does not withdraw his support for the ban on open grazing in the southern part of the country.

The bombing caused tension in Asaba, capital of Delta State especially parts of lllah community, Oshimili North local government area as a combined team of police, Army and Navy used helicopters to raid the area.