Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has urged the Federal Government to stop the reprisal attacks by Nigerian Army soldiers in the Okuama community of Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State.
Falana’s statement, released on Sunday, addresses the recent violence following reported ambushes on soldiers deployed to quell communal clashes. He specifically calls for an end to the violence and emphasizes the need for a thorough investigation into the incidents.
“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 said.
