The Nigerian Army this evening cleared the air on the whereabouts of HRH Barinadaa TD Gbaranee, the Paramount ruler of Yeghe Community of Ogoniland, Rivers State.

As earlier reported by News Express, Ogoni traditional rulers under the aegis of Chairman, Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers (COTRA) this morning accused the Nigerian Army of abducting HRH Gbaranee and demanded his immediate release, declaring the act an abomination. The demand came via a statement signed by COTRA Chairman, HRH King Suanu T.Y. Baridam and made available to News Express.

Reacting to the allegation, Captain Eli Lazarus, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Brigade, Port Harcourt, said in a statement: The Paramount ruler of Yeghe Community HRH Barinadaa TD Gbaranee was invited by 2 Brigade Nigerian Army in connection with an ongoing investigation that relates to security within his domain. I assure you that he will return to his community as soon as investigation is completed.”

Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, had earlier denied the allegation of COTRA, telling News Express: “Soldiers do not abduct.”