Withdraw Troops From Azaghene Community In Bayelsa, Falana Warns Nigeria Army Chief

The Peoples Alternative Forum (PAF) has called on the Nigerian
Army to withdraw troop who invaded Ekemor Local Government Area of
Bayelsa State on July 23, 2019.

The group also warned that barbaric military invasions in the
name of security would no longer be tolerated in Nigeria’s
democracy.

In a statement signed on Monday by Femi Falana, chairman of PAF
said, “During the invasion the armed troops looted properties,
raped women and burnt down all the houses in the community after
chasing away residents including the traditional ruler, His Royal
Highness Awame Festus Oru.”

“After chasing away the residents the armed troops have taken
over the community. In justifying the illegal occupation of the
community the spokesman for the 16 Brigade of the Nigerian Army,
Major Danjuma Jonah claimed that We are combing the community and
neighbouring towns in search of one of the soldiers that is missing
as a result of the attack that led to the death of two other
soldiers. Punch Newspaper, July 23, 2019),” it said.

The group condemned the killing of two soldiers and called on
the army to withdraw troops from the community to avoid further
provocations from locals.

The statement read, “While we condemn the brutal killing of the
two soldiers and the kidnap of another soldier by unidentified
criminal elements we urge the Army Authorities to withdraw the
armed troops that are illegally occupying the community.

“Since the Nigerian Army has no power to take the law into its
hands the search for the missing soldier cannot be a justification
for chasing away the people of Azaghene community after destroying
their houses and other valuable properties.

“Having regards to the facts and circumstances of the
unfortunate killing of the two soldiers and the reprisal attack on
the community by the Nigerian Army we hereby call on the Bayelsa
State government to institute a judicial commission of inquiry to
investigate the civil disturbances and recommend appropriate
monetary compensation for all the victims of the eggregious human
rights abuses in the Azaghene community.”

Speaking on behalf of the group, human rights lawyer, Falana
warned the troops not to think they are sacred cows like in Zaki
Biam, Benue State.

He said, “Unlike the soldiers who destroyed Odi in Bayelsa
state, Zaki Biam in Benue State and Gbaramotu in Delta State who
were treated like sacred cows the armed troops who invaded Azaghene
last week and unleashed mindless attack on unarmed people should be
fished out and prosecuted.

“Otherwise, the barbaric military invasion of communities in
Nigeria will continue under the pretext of searching for missing
soldiers.”

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