Delta Bloodbath: Okuama Residents Move Against Nigerian Army
Residents of Okuama-Ewu, located in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, have taken a step against the Nigerian Army.
The resident slammed a suit against the Nigerian Army, filing a lawsuit worth N200 billion at the Federal High Court in Warri. They allege that the Army’s actions, including cordoning off their community, destroying homes, and accusing them of involvement in the deaths of 17 military personnel without proper police investigations, violated their fundamental rights.
The lawsuit, initiated by 17 residents of Okuama-Ewu, stems from longstanding land disputes with the neighboring Okoloba community in Bomadi Local Government Area. The escalation of tensions on March 14 led to the intrusion of soldiers into Okuama-Ewu, prompting the residents to seek redress through legal means.
The plaintiffs, comprising mainly farmers, traders, and businessmen, have invoked their fundamental human rights to a fair hearing, dignity, privacy, freedom of movement, choice of residency, and property ownership.
Notable among them are Victor Akemor, Madam Omotiwori Olarehor, Victor Odi, Okrika Emmanuel, Austin Eferemua, and Evelyn Edjekola. Others include Pa James Ubredu, David Oghenewede, Lucky Orode, Iwriogbo Best, Felix Orhiunu, Bernard Michael, Oghenekobiruo, Vero Joseph, Ebikawe Emmanuel, Francis Uphurie, and Hon Belvis Adogbo.
Their legal team, consisting of Chief Malcolm Omirhobo, Akpokona Omafuaire Esq., Seprebofa Oyeghe Esq., O. L. Ofuasia Esq., and Ernest Ogbaga Esq., submitted the application on Thursday, outlining several violations of their rights by the Nigerian Army.
The applicants seek various declarations from the court, including the illegality of the Army’s accusations and media trials, the violation of their right to privacy and family life, and the infringement upon their freedom of movement and property ownership. They also demand compensation for general and exemplary damages amounting to N200 billion.
The Nigerian Army, as the respondent, has seven days to respond to the claims after proper service. Given the urgency of the matter, typical of cases involving fundamental rights violations, the court is expected to expedite proceedings and set a hearing date promptly.
