Army confirm Monarch’s revenge attack fear in volatile Nigeria’s Niger Delta

Sacks community in reprisal campaign

Barely 48 hours after monarch of Ewu Kingdom in Delta, Southern state in Nigeria, appealed against reprisals on his subjects by Nigerian Army, soldiers since Sunday evening have carried out sorties that sacked Okuama, a community in Ewu, burning, despoiling and dehumanizing residents in the community.

His Royal Majesty, Clement Ikolo, respected traditional ruler of Ewu Kingdom, had on Saturday urged the Nigerian Army not to give in to its usual habit of exacting revenge on communities where killing of any soldier occur.

Unknown gun men had ambushed 16 soldiers, ostensibly on peace mission in Okuama, killing them.

The monarch had voiced fears of reprisals given historical incidents like Odi Bayelsa state Massacre, Zaki Biam, Benue State killing by army and many others.

True to the Monarch’s fears, army had since landed in the community, sacked it and are in no hurry to leave the place according to reports.

Explaining the destruction, Ighere Dickson, chairman, Coalition for the Protection of Democracy, COPDEM, Ughelli South LGA, Delta state,p the military burned down the entire community.

“We denounce in the strongest terms the reprisal attack by the military that resulted in the burning of the entire Okuoma community.

“The destruction of civilian property and livelihoods is unacceptable and only perpetuates a cycle of violence and suffering,” the COPDEM said.

According to him, it is imperative that all parties uphold the principles of humanity and respect for human rights.

Five years after the sack of Odi, militancy over resource control metastasized, resulting in instability in the oil rich Niger Delta of Nigeria.

Relative peace was only restored after an amnesty program was given to militants in the region.

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