Date Published: 05/20/09

INC condemns genocide on the Ijaw ethnic nationality of the Niger Delta

We woke up to this horrifying news of a seemingly genocidal nature unfolding in a targeted area of Ijaw land. It is reported that the Joint Task Force (JTF) is carrying out an illegal operation of ethnic cleansing nature in the Gbaramatu Kingdom of Ijawland in Delta state.

The President and Commander-In-Chief was either not aware of this operation before it started or the Nigerian people are getting a message of insincerity from the Federal Government of Nigeria when it claims to have a peaceful solution to the Niger Delta crisis. With this development, it seems another Odi, which was destroyed by the previous government is unfolding.

We strongly condemn this unprovoked attack on the Ijaw people, especially against the backdrop of the recent amicable pronouncement by Mr. President and Commander-In-Chief where he talked about amnesty arrangements.

Whatever the case, we are calling on the Federal Government of Nigeria to stop this callous and unwarranted display of state power, pull out the military troops; and pour in relief materials to cater for the innocent victims of this misguided military action. This will demonstrate the sincerity of the earlier statements of Mr. President.

We call on the National Assembly to react positively to this ugly development. They should also call on the Presidency and the Joint Task Force to stop the killing of the Ijaws, especially the women and children.

We are also calling on the International community to show their presence through their various humanitarian agencies to intervene in stopping the genocide on the Ijaw people of the oil producing area of Nigeria.

Report reaching us indicates a growing number of casualties and a high population of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP). Extensive damage has also been done to the already meager infrastructure of the impoverished local communities.

We therefore call on well meaning Nigerians and International agencies to speak against this attack on the Ijaws, for today it is us but it could be some other ethnic group tomorrow.