The Senate on Thursday vowed to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegation of military invasion of about four communities in Ogoniland, Rivers State.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, made this known when the Civil Liberties Organisation and the traditional ruler of Mene Bua-Yeghe community in Ogoniland, Chief Barinaada Gbaranee, appeared before the Committee to defend their separate petitions against the Nigerian Army over the issue.
Gbaranee, a third class monarch in the oil-rich area, told the senators that the unlawful occupation of his territory and three other communities by soldiers started on February 22.
He explained that the armed military personnel allegedly invaded his community, the house of a former Niger Delta militant, Solomon Ndigbara, vandalized his cars and buildings without just cause.
Prior to the invasion and attack, the monarch said the soldiers had allegedly arrested Ndigara’s wife and his siblings.
The monarch said: “The military occupation of Ogoniland escalated on 23 February to the extent that the Army engaged themselves in the brutal killing of men, women and children numbering about 12.
“The continuous shootings against the harmless and defenceless peace loving people of Ogoniland, led to the displacement of natives of even neighbouring towns of Zaakpon and Wiiyakara communities, in fact even extending up to Babbe Kingdom.
“Consequent upon this, all economic activities in Ogoniland, especially Bori town and other adjoining villages, have been grounded to a halt.
“Men, women and children have deserted their homes and are taking refuge in the bush and forest due to heavy presence of the military personnel, patrolling in armoured cars with sophisticated weapons.”
Gbaranee said Ogoniland had remained peaceful prior to the military invasion and therefore urged the senators to use their legislative powers to stop the killings and tension.
Trending
- Tinubu condoles with Iran over death of President Raisi, others in helicopter crash
- Students loan: NELFUND speaks on first beneficiaries
- Businessman arraigned for allegedly obtaining N22m under false pretences
- Yahaya Bello: Hearing in EFCC chair’s motion against contempt proceedings stalled
- Teacher arrested for beating eight-year-old pupil to coma in Anambra
- Rivers crisis: Jonathan urges Wike, Fubara to end feud
- Abuja shopping complex locked down by Military over assault on soldiers
- Alleged N6b laundering: Fidelity Bank staff testifies against Mompha