THE Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People has condemned Sunday’s invasion of Yeghe community in Ogoniland by security operatives.
MOSOP explained that the constant raiding of Ogoni communities, particularly Yeghe by soldiers portrayed sinister motives.
The Publicity Secretary of the movement, Mr. Fegalo Nsuke, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, recalled that Yeghe community had earlier experienced military invasion in February and March that left some indigenes dead.
Nsuke pointed out that MOSOP was saddened by the attitude of the Nigerian security personnel, who rolled out heavy tanks to invade the Yeghe community and left people with pain, injuries and traumatic conditions that eventually led to death.
“MOSOP is appalled and vehemently condemns in the strongest terms Sunday’s raid on Yeghe, an Ogoni community in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
“This incessant military invasion of Ogoni communities particularly Yeghe portrays sinister motives, especially when considered against the backdrop that the area was experiencing significant peace.
“We recall that in February and March this year, similar raids were carried out on Yeghe and neighboring communities in which over 28 persons were killed, scores were maimed, raped and properties wantonly destroyed.
“In the raid of September 18, two persons were feared killed, including Mr. John Sorbarikor Gbarazia and his wife, Gloria.
“MOSOP does not find any justification in the unabated invasions and killings of Ogonis by government forces and call for a probe into this latest military attack,” the MOSOP publicity secretary added.
He stated that the continuous harassment, shooting and night operations in a “purely” civilian enclave without provocation was no longer acceptable to MOSOP and the people of Ogoni.
PUNCH
