A traditional ruler of Mene Bua-Yeghe community in Ogoniland, Rivers State, Chief Barinaada Gbaranee on Thursday told the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions of how armed military personnel’s invaded Ogoni Land and killed members of his community while displacing others.
Gbaranee’s testimony followed the committee’s commencement of investigation into the alleged military invasion of Ogoni land in Rivers State.
The monarch informed the committee that the unlawful occupation of his territory and three other communities by soldiers, started on February 22, 2016.
He explained that the armed military personnel who allegedly invaded his community also invaded the house of a former Niger Delta militant, Mr . Solomon Ndigbara, arresting the former militants wife and sibling.
Gbaranee said the armed military men vandalized his cars and buildings with no just cause.
He 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 sporadic shootings against the harmless and defenseless peace loving people of Ogoniland, led to the displacement of natives of even neighbouring towns as 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.”
Noting that prior to the military invasion, Ogoniland had been peaceful, the monarch urged the senators to use their legislative powers to stop the killings and tension as some members of his community were still scattered in the bush due to fear resulting from the invasion.
“The continued exposure of vulnerable men, women and children, certainly is beginning to cause hunger, sicknesses and diseases, the resultant effect Is sudden death,” he said.
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