Emma Amaize
18 May 2009
AS the Joint Task Force (JTF) yesterday continued its attacks on Ijaw villages in a bid to raze down suspected camps of militants, a cacophony of voices has risen in condemnation of the offensive.
Ijaw national leader, Chief Edwin Clark (CON), while condemning the attack implored President Umaru Yar'Adua to order an immediate ceasefire as many people have been killed while others have been trapped in the mangroves for days now.
While the Ijaw Monitoring Group (IMG) described the attacks as a holocaust agenda, a columnist, Tony Uranta called it a massacre, and called on President Umaru Yar'Adua to order a stoppage to the carnage immediately.
Also, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Senator James Manager (PDP, Delta South) as well as PENGASSAN say war is not the answer to the Niger Delta question, with Senator Fred Brume calling it "an unequal battle that is drastically de-populating several parts of the region."
Yesterday morning, the JTF resumed mid-air bombardment of Oporoza, Ubefan, Okerenkoko, Kurutie, Azama, Benikurukuru and other Gbaramatu-Ijaw communities in Delta State with helicopter gunships, two days after last Friday's offensive that left no fewer than 65 persons dead and over 100 persons, including traditional chiefs injured.
The fresh offensive started yesterday morning around 3.30pm, it was gathered that Kurutie community was razed down. The seven communities that make up Gbaramatu kingdom were deserted yesterday following the fresh military assault. Oporoza, Kunukunuma and Kurutie were attacked by the JTF last Friday.
Following reports that Oporoza and Okerenkoko would be the next to be attacked after Kurutie, a source said many people fled their homes and that more 30,000 persons were trapped in the mangroves, as they could not come out because of the continuing JTF bombardment of the areas.
Clark asks Yar'Adua to order ceasefire
Ijaw leader, Chief Clark who spoke to Vanguard yesterday morning said he got information that the JTF.
Had re-commenced bombings of Oporoza and other Ijaw communities and that he put a call to the Vice President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, who, probably was in the church and did not pick the call, so he had to send a text message, appealing to him to help save Ijaw people from being wiped out by the army.
After a fruitless attempt to reach the President, Alhaji Umaru Yar'Adua, Chief Clark also sent on open message to him. It reads, "President, unable to reach you, hence this open message to you. I am appealing to you to stop your government's decision to declare a full blown war against the Ijaws of the Niger- Delta by using jets and helicopters in bombing towns and villages killing innocent children, women and old people who are not part of the militants.
"Apart from those being killed by the bombing, many of the villagers who are alive are seeking refuge in the bush for the past three days. The bombing has started this morning, Sunday (yesterday) and six communities including Oporoza, Kurutie, Ubefan, Kunukunuama, are being razed to the ground by the military.
"Now that the militants' camp has been taken by the JTF and we have already appealed to the militants to stop fighting, I sincerely appeal to Mr. President on behalf of the Ijaw people to cease fire and bring normalcy to the area. What is going on, Mr. President, is definitely not in the interest of the country. You have a duty to protect all Nigerians because we are part of this country. Please act immediately", he said.
It's holocaust agenda - Evah
In a text message sent to Vanguard, Coordinator of the Ijaw Monitoring Group, Comrade Joseph Evah accused the Federal Government of executing a "holocaust agenda against the Ijaw nation."
The message read: "We are glad that the world has seen the truth that President Umaru Yar'Adua, does not want peace in the region. He, as Commander-in-Chief, mobilised the number of warships, jet fighters and machine guns that are more than Nigeria's firepower during the Biafra civil war and ECOMOG operation put together to face our people. It is a shame", the statement said.
Stop the carnage now - Uranta
Secretary-General of the United Niger Delta Energy Development Security Strategy (UNDEDSS), Mr. Tony Uranta, in his reaction said: "We are appalled at the current ease with which innocent women, children, the aged and the infirm are being massacred in government's onslaught against Niger Delta communities, in the name of 'searching for militants' in Delta State.
"Ijaw communities like Kurutie have been razed, whilst others....are still bombarded by land, sea and air forces with no regard to the 'collateral damage' caused in terms of innocents killed.
"Can one blame the Ijaws and Niger Deltans who are accusing the Federal Government of genocidal intentions? President Yar'Adua and Vice President Jonathan must stop this carnage immediately, or be held personally liable for every innocent soul killed by this invasion of the Niger Delta."
Why JTF resumed hostilities
The reason for fresh hostilities by the JTF, yesterday, was not clear, but a source said it got information that militants were mobilising from the communities to attack oil installations and take over Camp 5, the militant den that was overrun and occupied by the task force, last Friday. Scores of buildings were said to have been destroyed and several persons injured but there was no confirmation of any casualty figure.
Camp 5 gone - JTF
However, coordinator of the Joint Media Campaign Centre of the JTF, Colonel Abubakar told Vanguard on phone when contacted yesterday that the task force was only carrying out a mop-up operation, which does not require air bombardment.
Clarifying that he never said 100 soldiers were injured in the takeover of Camp 5 by the JTF a few days ago, but that 100 militants were feared to have been injured, some seriously, during a crossfire with the troops, Colonel Abubakar said what the JTF did yesterday was just an operation to hold on to its occupied targets.
"In the same vein, JTF troops were attacked yesterday afternoon while carrying out rescue mission at Kunukunuma Village. In the process, heavy gun battle ensued and majority of the militants were killed while two soldiers sustaining minor injuries.
"The JTF is asking all Niger Deltans, especially those in the villages where rescue missions are going on, not to be afraid but go about their legitimate businesses because military actions can not deprive them of their freedom since doing so will not speak well of military image at home and abroad." Col Abubakar said
The Joint Task Force, Operation Restore Hope, in a release, reiterated that the continuous search and rescue operations carried out at the general area of camp 5 and the Chanomi Creek were targeted at criminals who made those areas their abode and to rescue the remaining expatriates on board MT Spirit earlier hijacked by militants.
3 more expatriates freed
Colonel Abubakar, said that it was gladdening to inform the public that three more expatriates were again rescued bringing the number of expatriates so far rescued to nine. He added that "efforts were being intensified to lay hands on what we are searching for in Chanomi Creek and its environs."
Moreso, the Coordinator pointed out that it was pertinent to state that "Camp 5 has become history and all the equipment inside it has been reduced to rubbles and we are on the ground, we are controlling the place, it ceases to be a camp 5 for good.
"Against the purported release by MEND that camp 5 has become JTF's cemetery, we are saying that such statement is hilarious and a show to the public that some of them still exist despite the fact that their bones have been broken.
"As we are talking to you, MEND is lifeless and homeless, we are also advising the general public, especially the media, not to take them seriously because they are unpatriotic and criminals.
"Whoever that does not wish his country well is evil-minded and should be decisively dealt with", Abubakar added.
JTF creating problem -Oboko
However, President of the Federated Niger-Delta Ijaw Communities, Chief Bello Oboko said, "Those who seek justice must come with their both hands clean, having acted to complement efforts of the INEC to conduct elections without creating constituencies, thereby perpetuating disenfranchisement, of the Ijaws of Warri, the JTF has been a suspect in the business of restoring hope".
Militants relocate
Earlier in a statement, the Movement for Emanciaption of the Niger-Delta said, "Considering that ours is a war of detachment and our camps are not meant to serve as permanent barracks, fighters from Camp 5 simply relocated to another camp with all their weapons and ammunition intact. This is normal in guerrilla warfare".
In the statement signed by its spokesman, Jomo Gbomo, it said, "We are embarrassed at the dismal performance of the Nigerian armed forces by bombing indiscriminately into civilian communities using helicopter gunships and fighter jet planes. Civilians should have been allowed to leave the area before the attack. This simply has shown that the government is insensitive to the Niger Delta people.
"If the army's mission was to also rescue the hostages, then that again was a botched and ridiculous attempt because the hostages were not at any immediate risk to their lives except for their temporary freedom.
"We regret to announce that two hostages have been killed by the indiscriminate shelling and two more are still in our custody. We are happy that all of them were not killed by the army. The bodies of the dead men will be handed over to the Red Cross. MEND deeply regrets the avoidable deaths.
"As promised, we have begun nibbling again at the oil infrastructure. Already, two major trunk pipe and gas lines which were recently repaired have been blown up. This is just the tip of the series of attacks we plan to carry out.
"For the Nigerian government to declare victory, troops must be able to secure every inch of pipelines and eliminate the over 500 camps stretching from Ondo to Akwa Ibom.
"What the government has been successful in doing is committing genocide against the Ijaw communities whose offence, it seems, is discovering oil in their backyards.
"The British hostage, Mr Mathew Maguire has been relocated to Delta state and will be a guest of one the camps there.
"Nigerians should now brace up for the worst from the decisions from an incompetent leadership.
"The Niger Delta people who have endured injustice and genocide for over 50 years must be ready to fight for change, as our destiny should not be in the hands of others but ourselves."
Read comments. Write your own.
Copyright © 2009 Vanguard. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.
AllAfrica aggregates and indexes content from over 125 African news organizations, plus more than 200 other sources, who are responsible for their own reporting and views. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica.
JJCC, who are “these criminals” you are talking about? Is it criminal for the local residents to demand their right to live and to the source of their livelihood? Is it criminal to ask local and federal govt to protect the locals from external exploitation (polution of their waters, air and land)? Is it criminal to defend oneself when the local and federal govt failed in its responsibility to “protect and defend” the locals from external exploitation and aggression? About a month ago, the civilian govts of a few Delta States “indicted” a former military General, now retired but former President Obasanjo for his efforts to dialogue with the so-called “militant” (freedom fighters) during his tenure as head of state. These current heartless but deeply corrupt civilian governors claimed that OBJ’s effort at peaceful resolution of the Niger Delta crisis has emboldened the locals to demand their rights. As a follow up, Gov. Amaechi had the temerity to recommend capital punishment for "kidnapers" instead of trying to resolve the symptom that drove the locals (including market women who now resort to occupy-by-force oil platforms) to such desperate behavior. The point that I am trying to make here is that – it was the civilian politicians' actions that led to the first coup-de-tat in 1966 which eventually caused the Civil War from 1967 thru 1970. For about 40 years of military rule, there were no wars but since the arrival of these undisciplined but greedy civilian politicians, starting with this corrupt, spineless, and visionless administration of Yar Adua, all wanton actions of these new crop of politicians are geared towards another civil war that only another military coup can avoid. Bottom-line is, if Emperor Yar thinks that the Yorubas (West) will side with the North, once again, to gang up against the East if another civil war breaks out, he better think again. Given what we all know now, there SHOULD NOT have been a United Nigeria in 1970. Therefore, enough of this exploitation of the South-South by the North and enough of this JTF attacks on the locals to please the current Nigerian govt’s external masters. A word should be enough for the wise. It is becoming obvious that the military regimes of the past are not as wicked as this civilian one – democracy is not what it is cracked up to be.
Agreed that a lot of things had gone wrong before now. However, violence had never resolved any issue. If we are frank with ourselves, the government had shown so much restraint as no right thinking government will unleash its troops on its own citizens. However, these "freedom" fighters have taken the joke too far. So why is it that now it is the goverment that is committing 'genocide' against the Ijaws? When the Ijaws massacred Itsekiris it was not genocide eh? There are 9 states in the Niger Delta and God Knows how many ethnic groups. Why is it that it is only one ethic group that has chosen the path to violence? The goverment chose dialogue but they rejected it. Now that the government has opted for the big stick every Ijaw "leader" is crying blue murder instead of calling the criminals to order. A migrant ethnic group suddenly decides to attack its hosts from Ondo to Cross River along the coast line then the next day it claims it is fighting for the rights of the the Niger Deltans. Who are you deceiving? What you have done is just to bring untold suffering to the poor fishermsan in the creeks who just wants to be left in peace to paddle his canoe to catch his fish. You the 'leaders' your children how many of them are in those creeks holding weapons? Chief Clark and hte rest we would like to hear your answers to this questions. You have unleahed a monster you cannot control now you are looking for everyone to blame excecpt yourselves. I hope the government and the military authorities take a cue from the Sri Lankan experience and dwal with these criminals once and for all. Even the so called West you look at would never tolerate any group posing a threat to its existence. Somali is made up entirely of members of one family yet they cannot live at peace with themselves so it should be to oour credit that we are made up of so many components and are able to resolve our problems. A word is enough for the wise.
Idris, you said, "violence has never resolved any issue." That is correct, and two wrongs never make a right, either. If the locals, who have been marginalized and exploited for more than 40 years since this freebie was discovered in their soil, resorted to violence, it is their right for self-preservation. I am sure the North would have reacted the same way if the table were turned. By the way, a more responsible and caring govt would have favored dialogue instead of this wanton abuse of power in which the govt is losing a million barrels of oil per day. I will not be surprised if another military coup occurs in the next few months if this reckless behavior is not stopped, pronto. It would be well deserved until these greedy, undemocratic civilian politicians learn their lessons.
When a band of weapon wielding self commissioned freedom fighters kill soldiers carrying out thei lawful duties, they become criminals,when they kidnap innocent people and hold they for ransom, they become criminals, when they engage illegal oil bunkering, they become criminals, when they take over oil installations and stop oil operations, they become criminals.And when they defy the federal governments call for order, they become rebels.THE ONLY THING THOSE CRIMINALS AND REBELS DESERVE IS ANIHILIATION.AND THAT IS WHAT THE JTF IS GIVING THEM.THOSE CHIEF THAT HATCHED THOSE BAD EGGS DESERVE DEATH TOO.THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH PEOPLE OF EASTERN NIGERIA.
All Hail the JTF. This is the action required against these criminals. These so-called Ijaw leaders who are rushing to call the Presidency, should be ashamed of themselves.They refused to talk to these criminals, who refused to see reason and stop their criminality. The JTF in all honesty have appealled to these criminals, telling them that they are not enemies, but brothers, saying they do not want to spill the blood of their brothers, yet they refused to stop their criminality.
They would ambush innocent soldiers doing their duty and murder them. They continued with their kidnapping of innocent people doing their job legitimately. They practically, stop investments into Niger Delta. These criminal preffered death to life.
Niger Delta get alot more money more than any other part of Nigeria. The Niger Delta ministry gets its on budget, the states get their own budget and the NDDC(Niger Delta Development Commission) gets its own budget, yet they are still crying that they are not getting enough, when infact they are already getting more than 50% of the oil revenue. They should be going after their governors and their so called traditional rulers who take all their money and use it to enrich themselves.
To stop this criminality the JTF must take the decisive action they are taking now. Similar action is being taken in Sri Lanka against the Tamil Tigers, now they are surrendering and development would now go to the areas they have held hostage for over three decades. Pakistani Military are taking the same action against the Taliban who wanted to overrun Pakistan. Decisive action is the only way to stop criminals who do not want to listen to the voice of reason.
Kudos the JTF. Long live the JTF, long Live Nigeria.