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By Oghenekaro Oyowinkigho
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Warri branch, issued a statement yesterday urging the Nigerian military to promptly remove the blockades they have set up in Okuama community, Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State. The NBA emphasized that Nigeria is not a military state, and citizens should not be subjected to military rules.
Speaking at the Warri Federal High Court premises, Barrister Oghenero Okoro, the chairman of the branch, strongly condemned the brutal killings of four officers and thirteen soldiers. He called for the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators while ensuring that innocent citizens do not suffer any form of deprivation.
Barrister Okoro appealed to the military to dismantle the blockades in Okuama community immediately. He also urged them to allow stranded citizens, who are currently in different forest areas, to return to their homes. Simultaneously, the military can continue their investigation.
“The killing of our security officers and soldiers is highly condemnable. Security personnel worldwide risk their lives to protect citizens. Therefore, the murder of four officers and thirteen soldiers is unacceptable, and we demand that no stone be left unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice,” Barrister Okoro stated.
“However, in pursuing justice, the military must operate within the bounds of the law. Fighting one illegality with another is not acceptable. We were informed that the military established a blockade on the road leading to Okuama. This action is also condemnable. Locking down an entire community while searching for perpetrators is unjustifiable, he added.
“The Chief of Defence Staff claims to know those responsible for this act. If he truly knows them, why impose a complete lockdown on an entire community and displace its residents from their homes? As a branch of the NBA, we unequivocally condemn these blockades and demand their immediate removal,” Barrister Okoro asserted.
“The Nigerian state must not, under any circumstances, consciously or unconsciously displace its citizens. We have seen distressing images of people living in the forest, and we condemn such conditions. The government should demonstrate compassion and allow the people of Okuama to return home while investigations continue,” he emphasized.
While condemning the singular act of the Delta State command of the Nigerian police for handing over the traditional ruler of Okuama to the military for investigation, Barrister Oghenero reiterated that Nigeria is not a military state. Therefore, citizens should not be subjected to military rules. He urged the military to return the traditional ruler to the police for a thorough and proper investigation.
The Warri NBA also expressed skepticism about the military panel of inquiry set up by the defence headquarters. They believe that the outcome cannot be trusted to be impartial and fair.
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