Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has called on the Federal Government to intervene and stop the reprisal attacks by soldiers of the Nigerian Army in the Okuama community of Ughelli South Local Government Area in Delta State.
In a statement released to the press on Sunday, Falana expressed concern over the escalating violence, following reports of irate youths ambushing soldiers deployed to the community to quell a communal clash.
According to reports, sixteen bodies of soldiers were discovered by troops of the Joint Task Force, led by Major General Jamal Abdussalam, in the aftermath of the clashes.
The violence erupted from a longstanding land dispute, with three Okuama youths reportedly killed by youths from Okoloba.
In retaliation, Okuama youths allegedly captured and held an Okoloba indigene, Mr. Anthony Aboh, prompting swift action from the JTF to rescue hostages.
However, reprisal attacks ensued, with reports of villages being set ablaze during nocturnal military operations.
Responding to the development, Falana stated, “Unfortunately, some villages were attacked last night by angry soldiers. After the attack, the villages were set on fire during the nocturnal military invasion.
“Having regard to the destruction of Odi and Zaki Biam over the killing of soldiers, the authorities ought to have taken adequate measures to prevent the attack and burning of the affected villages.
“It is unfortunate that the Federal Government has not issued any statement on the barbaric incident.
“In view of the tragic turn of events, I call on the military authorities to halt the destruction of the properties of innocent people in the warring communities.
“It ought to be pointed out that collective punishment is a serious offence under domestic and international law,” he added.
