The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has written to President Muhammadu Buhari, the Federal Government, the National Assembly, the Chief of Army Staff and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) over the recent military attack on Ogoni communities, leading to loss of lives and destruction of properties.
A copy of the petition entitled: “Protest Against the Unprovoked Military Invasion of Ogoni Communities Occasioning Wanton Killings of Innocent Citizens and Residents,” was made available to journalists in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
The Tribune gathered that MOSOP President, Mr Legborsi Pyagbara, who signed the petition, maintained that the killing incidents were no response to any crisis whatsoever in the area, noting that none existed.
He expressed disappointment at the tactics and callousness with which the Yeghe, Bori/Zaakpon operations were carried out, adding that it showcased dreadful extremism and sinister motive.
MOSOP also insisted that the military violated all known rules of engagement, as well as infringed on the human rights of the people, including the inalienable right of the victims to life.
The petition reads: “We are compelled to protest to you regarding the unwarranted and unprovoked murderous invasion of Ogoni communities by the military, particularly belonging to the 2nd Brigade of the Nigerian Army, based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, which took place on Monday, 22 and Tuesday, 23 February, 2016.
“The condemnable military attacks led to wanton destruction of lives and properties in Yeghe, Bori (the capital of Ogoni) and Zaakpon communities. The affected communities: Yeghe is in Gokana Local Government Area, while Bori and Zaakpon are both in Khana Local Government Council.
“The incidents, which were no response to any crisis whatsoever in the area as none existed, started at Yeghe at about 2.30 p.m. on the fateful February 22.
“The invading soldiers, armed with sophisticated weapons, arrived in several military trucks and armoured tanks, unleashed violence on the quiet community, shooting indiscriminately in all directions.
“In the process, over 18 innocent lives were lost. Others sustained serious gunshot injuries, many of whose health conditions are very critical; several other victims missing, whilst properties were wantonly destroyed or looted.
“As if the mayhem inflicted on Yeghe was not enough, the soldiers reinforced, bringing in more armoured tanks and extended the violence to the traditional headquarters of Ogoniland, Bori; and Zaakpon community on Tuesday, February 23, 2016.
“The tactics and callousness with which the Bori/Zaakpon operations were executed demonstrated dreadful extremism and sinister motive.
They deliberately fired at business premises, pupils and students and other crowded areas. And at the end of the operation, many innocent natives and residents were murdered in cold blood, properties destroyed or looted.”
Pyagbara, however, pleaded with President Buhari to ensure that the Federal Government and the military hierarchy immediately withdraw the military from all Ogoni communities so that the people could return home.
He cautioned that MOSOP will not hesitate to take all peaceful and non-violent steps to seek redress, if government failed to respond positively to the petition.
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