Displaced Ogoni communities protest ongoing land encroachment
Indigenes of 17 Ogoni communities in Rivers State have raised concerns about renewed land grabbing on their ancestral lands. The communities, originally displaced in 1994 during the military regime of late Sani Abacha, allege that outsiders are unlawfully selling their land with the help of neighboring communities. During a gathering to mark the 32nd anniversary of their displacement, community leaders recounted the violence and loss suffered. They are calling on the government to intervene and warn estate agents against buying land in their area.
What happened
- Esther Gboro, a woman leader from Lekuma, reported that individuals from neighboring communities are selling their ancestral land at low prices.
- The displaced communities said their land covers three local government areas in Rivers State.
- Prince Barifodum, leader of Lekuma, described April 4, 1994 as a dark day when 17 communities were destroyed, resulting in the loss of 2000 lives.
- The communities claim the Nigerian military, accompanied by unidentified civilians, invaded and destroyed their homes, farms, and livelihoods in 1994.
- Leaders have warned estate agents and buyers to avoid the area, insisting no land is available for sale.
