The frontline members of the defunct Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has criticised the decision by some former militant leaders from the region to exonerate High Chief Government Ekpemupolo a.k.a Tompolo, over the recent bomb attacks on oil and gas pipelines in the Gbaramatu, Delta State.

The leader of the group, Africanus Ukparasia, a.k.a General Africa, in a statement released on Tuesday in Yenagoa, said the ongoing investigation by the federal government will reveal the culprits behind the bomb attacks.

Leadership reports that he added that preliminary investigations conducted by leading ex-militant leaders from the region revealed that the bomb attacks were allegedly planned in Ondo state by Tompolo and an ex-militant leader known as General Shoot at Sight.

He noted that the attack was carried out to stop the arrest and prosecution of Tompolo.

“Tompolo and Gen. Shoot at Sight conspired to bomb the pipelines to send a message that they have the capacity to disrupt oil production and therefore cripple the economy of the country.

“Tompolo was supplied with 19 metal outboard boats, while Gen. Shoot at Sight was supplied with 6 metal outboard boats prepared in Ayetoro community in Ilaje local government area of Ondo State. The boats which are mounted with double 200 Horse-powered engines each cost Tompolo and Gen. Shoot at Sight N1.2 million without the engines,” he said.

“We warn Tompolo that this time around, he will not have the opportunity of hiding away from the federal forces in his vessel like he did the last time when the federal troops ordered by late President Yar’adua went after him.

“We are ready to assist the federal security agencies to fish Tompolo out from his hideout to face prosecution. Tompolo has since defeated their purpose for taking up arms against the Federal Government in the first place, as he has chosen to pursue a selfish agenda by blowing-up pipelines, thereby degrading the already devastated environment to further impoverish the suffering masses of the region who depend on the environment for their daily bread,” he added.

Janeth J