Hector Igbikiowubo
20 February 2006
IJAW human rights activists have accused the Federal Government administration of genocide against the Ijaws, and threatened to drag government before the United Nations for crimes against humanity.
The rights activists also claim that more troops are being deployed in the creeks and villages in the Niger Delta, turning the area into an occupied territory, and forcing inhabitants to flee.
Speaking with the Vanguard yesterday Chief Timi Iniabipi, a Niger Delta Rights Activist who called in from the United Kingdom decried the Federal Government's handling of the unfolding situation in the Niger Delta.
He pointed out that a group was compiling a dossier on the 'senseless and indefensible' killings being carried out in the Niger Delta by the military and the police on the orders of the Federal Government.
"The list of atrocities has become endless. We will not rest until those who are behind these acts are brought to book. Even at the state level some rascals parading themselves as governors would have to account for crimes against humanity," he said.
Also speaking yesterday, Comrade Joseph Evah, National Coordinator of the Ijaw Monitoring Group said plans are underway to drag the Federal Government before the United Nations for crimes against humanity.
"Ijaw people would not accept a situation where Charles Taylor is being hounded for crimes against humanity and President Obasanjo is allowed to get away with similar activities," he said.
He said over 100 persons are still missing from the Okerikoko village and that 25 persons including women and children were killed during bombing raids carried out by the Nigerian Airforce under the aegis of the Joint Task Force (JTF).
"How can the government use planes bought with our oil money to bombard our people. The gods of Ijaw land are angry, they are retaliating and very soon they would bring down these planes.
"In places like Adamawa, Ilorin, Sokoto, Abuja and Maiduguri large scale illegal bunkering is also taking place. How many of these places have been subjected to bombing raids by the Airforce," he asked.
He disclosed that more troops are being deployed by the government into the creeks and called for caution, adding that noting tangible would be achieved with the militarisation of the area.
"I don't know who is advising the President or this Government. How come they are still referring to MEND as a bunch of criminal elements. President Obasanjo should recognise them and invite them for meaningful dialogue.
"The Ijaws have always believed in meaningful dialogue and we have demonstrated this severally. It is the government which has always provoked us with treachery," he said.
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