Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has strongly condemned the recent destruction of Okuoma community in Delta State following the killing of soldiers, urging for an end to attacks on innocent citizens.
Reports have surfaced detailing the devastation of lives and properties in parts of Okuama in Ughelli Local Government Area and Okolaba in Bomadi Local Government of Delta State.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Falana emphasized that collective punishment constitutes a serious offense under both domestic and international law, calling for immediate action to address the situation.
“Yesterday, I condemned the brutal killing of a group of military officers and soldiers in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State which occurred last week. I called for the immediate prosecution of the suspects who have been arrested for their involvement in the heinous crime,” stated Falana.
He continued, “Unfortunately, some villages were attacked last night by angry soldiers. After the attack, the villages were set on fire during the nocturnal military invasion. Considering the destruction witnessed in Odi and Zaki Biam following similar incidents involving soldiers, the authorities should have taken adequate measures to prevent such attacks and the subsequent burning of affected villages. It is regrettable that the federal government has not issued any statement on this barbaric incident.”
In light of the distressing events, Falana urged the military authorities to cease the destruction of innocent people’s properties in the embattled communities, stressing the gravity of collective punishment under both domestic and international legal frameworks.
“Therefore, the Delta State Government should ensure that the murder suspects and arsonists among the civilians and soldiers are identified and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to other criminal elements in society,” Falana concluded.
