Activist to Buhari: Enforce removal of military checkpoints in N-Delta

A Warri-based Niger Delta Activist, Comrade Austin Ozobo has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to enforce the removal of military check points from N-Delta streets, creeks and waterways.

It will be recall that the President had earlier ordered the dismantling of all military checkpoints across the country.

Ozobi urged President Buhari to ensure that all military men are removed and taken back to barracks.

The President of Ijaw People's Development Initiative (IPDI), noted that the region is not fighting war and that the military presence could be seen as a witch-hunt to continue intimidation by section of the country on the citizenry of the South-South.

"The military has turn into terror, and the people in the region are living in fear on daily basis, military lawlessness and brutality is very high in N-Delta, almost every day you hear of people being extra-judicial exterminated, assaulted and military brutality against innocent citizens of the country".

He added that the military presence on the streets was a big threat to communal and public peace and such is inimical to the aspirations of the common Niger Deltans.

According to Ozobo, the high military presence in the public places exposed the military to corrupt practices, use of force against the common man, indiscriminate brutalization and extra-judicial killings, adding that on no account should the military remain in the region.

He complain that, in some areas the military mounts illegal check points to just collect bribe from motorists, truck pushers, hawkers, transport boats and market women, and anyone who refuses to pay may end up victimized.

×