By Emma Amaize

WARRI—OPOROZA community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State, yesterday, said it was not aware of the visit of the Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, to the town, last week, as claimed by him.

Chairman of the community, Mr. Johnbull Demebi, in a statement, said that the people were stunned when they read his narrative in newspapers on how he visited Oporoza and held interactive sessions with members of the Niger Delta Avengers, NDA and villagers.

He said: “It is pertinent to state that, to the best of our knowledge, we, the leadership of the community, did not receive the  Minister of Youth and Sports, or any other government official in Oporoza town last week.

“We have stated in many fora and on various occasions that we do not know anything about the Niger Delta Avengers. Oporoza town, or any other community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, has nothing to do with the Avengers and their activities. We had in time past, condemned the activities of the Avengers, and therefore, can not have anything to do with them in our community.

“As peace loving and law -abiding citizens of Nigeria, we make bold to say that we are very receptive people, and have received several top government functionaries in our community. For the avoidance of doubt, the last government visitor to Oporoza was the acting Inspector General of Police, Mr Abrahim Idris, and he was given a rousing welcome by the community, led by the chairman, Dumebi.

“And so, we doubt the claim of the minister that he visited Oporoza last week and had a meeting with members of Niger Delta Avengers and other community people.”