Ogoni women in Rivers State are lamenting the occupation of their communities by military men. An estimated 3,000 women from the land gathered in Yeghe on Monday, November 14, to call on the Nigerian authorities to end the military raids on the community.

Addressing the women during the meeting, coordinator of the programme and outspoken women leader, Comfort Daadan, said the consequences of the military raid had been profound. She maintained that it is unfortunate and unfair that the community has come under military persecution since a new date was announced for the re-run elections in the state including the Ogoni area.

Mrs. Daadan maintained that the raids on the Ogoni community had been purely politically motivated because the Yeghe people are mainly supporters of Nigeria’s opposition party.

She said the consequences of the raid is taking a toll on the women and children particularly and gradually sending the entire community to death.

The women leader said it was unfortunate that Nigerian politics has deteriorated to the point of using federal troops against supporters of a political party just to suppress them from expressing their wishes.

Mrs. Daadan called for an investigation into the military raids on Yeghe and an immediate end to the raids to save the people.

Ogoni land had been widely acclaimed to be on the danger list following years of pollution by Shell which has affected underground water, air and soil. The president has promised to clean the environment but nothing is yet to commence in the area.

•Source: Ogoninews.com. Photo shows protesting Ogoni women.

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