3,500 Homeless In Delta, Say 3 Groups

3,500 Homeless In Delta, Say 3 Groups

THREE human rights and development organisations operating in the Niger Delta yesterday claimed that over 3,500 local people have so far been rendered homeless in Gbaramatu Kingdom, an Ijaw kingdom in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, where soldiers and militants are locked in a bloody confrontation.

The three groups are, however, Social Action, Centre for Human Rights, Environment and Development as well as Sustainable Peace Initiative. Apparently disturbed by the rising number of civilians being killed and displaced in the on-going conflict, the three groups in a joint statement yesterday, called for restraint on the part of the military to prevent killing of more civilians in communities close to clashes between them and militants.

They are also asking the military and militants to allow access for humanitarian groups to visit the communities

“We have had tragic experiences in the very recent past when military actions of this nature have resulted in the destruction of whole communities and killing of many innocent people, as was the case with Odi and Odioma. The Nigerian political leadership should ensure that its armed forces understand the need to protect innocent citizens in the communities of the Niger Delta,” said Asume Osuoka, Director of Social Action.

“The use of helicopter gunships against targets in Okenkerenko, and by most accounts other villages, appears to be undisputable and has caused a mass evacuation of villagers in a creek environment where there are no safe options for refugees”, he said

Co-ordinator of the Centre for Human Rights, Environment and Development, Patrick Naagbanton, on his part claimed that there are serious casualty cases from the current clashes who need urgent medical attention. According to him, ''there are tens of thousands more who have fled their villages without adequate food or water Our field monitors are already putting the figure of homeless people as a result of the conflict at over 3,500''.

The groups said they are calling on both the military and militants to allow free access for their local organisations and international groups such as the Red Cross, and Medicins Sans Frontiers without delay. This, they said, will ensure that aid is delivered where needed and end speculation over the level of casualties from the clashes over the past few days.

But the military is claiming that it has acted responsibly and that civilians were not targeted in their operations. ''The best way for them to show the truth of this claim is to allow immediate access to Okekerenko, Oporoza and surrounding communities. We equally call on the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) to respect and support the need for villages to receive urgent assistance'', the three groups said.

“There is need for immediate steps to reassure villagers that they can safely return to their communities before there are more deaths amongst the frail and young, who are the first casualties in such harsh conditions,” said Damka Pueba, Director of Sustainable Peace Initiative.

ENDS

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