Rep. David Fuoh (APC-Taraba) has petitioned the House of Representatives over the alleged involvement in the killing of some of his constituents by a Non-Governmental Organisation, Africa Nature Investors.
The petition by the member of the House also accused the operatives of National Park of Nigeria of culpability.
The lawmaker, representing Ghasaka/Kurmi/Sardauna Federal Constituency, made the allegations in a petition he submitted before the House in Abuja and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday.
Fuoh said he was prompted to lay the petition against perpetrators of the dastardly acts when all previous attempts to stop their excesses failed.
The petition is titled: “Petition by the People of Mayo Balewo/Mahdanu Community against ANI, the Chief of Mayoselbe and the Controller General of National Park.”
In it, the lawmaker alleged that three persons were killed while six others were arrested during a raid by ANI.
He added that the incident was part of the large pattern of brutality by ANI, resulting in at least seven deaths outside the park’s boundaries and killing a large number of cattle.
He further alleged that it had also destroyed farm lands and burnt several houses in the guise of park protection.
According to him, there are indications that the management of Gashaka-Gumti National Park and ANI are handling public concerns with levity.
According to the petitioner, the victims include: Malam Adamu Yahya, 70; Abdu Yahya, 52; and Nuhu Yahya, 42.
The petitioner prayed that the House should condemn the brutal killings and arrest of innocent people by ANI and the management of the park.
Fuoh also prayed that measures should be taken to protect the rights and safety of communities living near the park.
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He also demanded investigation into the activities of ANI and GGNP, their impact on local communities in regard to social responsibility and other benefits such as local content in terms of recruitment.
A reliable source within the leadership of the National Assembly assured that the accused would be given a fair hearing in the course of the lawmakers’ investigation.
Efforts by a NAN correspondent to get the reaction of the NGO proved abortive as calls made to the organisation with the number +2349077327123 were consistently rejected.
Messages sent through its WhatsApp and the regular SMS were also not responded to.
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