Ogoni killings: Why we attacked community – Army

– Lt. Gen. Tukur Burata has attributed the army invasion of Ogoni community to the killing of one of its informant

– Army says 18 persons have been arrested in connection with cult clashes Rivers state 

Buratai told the Senate that about 18 persons had been arrested in connection with the alleged cult clashes in Gokhana and Khana local government areas of Rivers state.

The chief of army staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Burata has told the Senate that the army’s invasion of Ogoni community in Rivers state came after its security informant in the state was allegedly buried alive by the leader of a cult group known as Island cult.

According to Vanguard, Buratai made the clarification as the Senate committee on ethics, privileges and public petitions and House of Representatives committee on army, began separate investigations into the invasion of Ogoni land by the military, yesterday, March 10.

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He said the army was doing all it could to contain the cult related activities in Gokhana and Khana local government areas of the state, adding that several weapons and ammunition have been recovered from cultists.

Buratai also said about 18 persons had been arrested in connection with the alleged cult clashes in the respective communities.

Recall that the House committee had invited the Chief of Army Staff over the petition by communities in Ogoniland.

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Traditional rulers in Rivers state had accused the army of doing more harm than good in Ogoniland.

On Thursday, March 10, a traditional ruler, Barinaada told the Senate committee on ethics, privileges and public petitions of how armed military personnel invaded Ogoniland and killed members of his community while displacing others.

The monarch informed the committee that the unlawful occupation of his territory and three other communities by soldiers started on February 22, 2016.

He said: the military occupation of Ogoniland escalated on February 23 to the extent that the army engaged in the brutal killing of men, women and children numbering about 12.”

He explained that the armed military personnel who allegedly invaded his community also invaded the house of a former Niger Delta militant, Mr Solomon Ndigbara, arresting the former militants wife and sibling.

Barinaada said the armed military men vandalized his cars and buildings with no just cause.

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