Residents of Ayakoromo Community, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State have accused the military Joint Task Force (JTF) of war crimes and looting of N500 Million from the war-ravaged community during the recent operation of the military in the area.
In a press conference held yesterday in Warri, Delta State, the community leaders led by the Chairman, Ayakoromo Rehabilitation Council, Anthony Bamuza, said they would press for compensation from the Federal Government at the appropriate time.
Mr Bamuza, who was surrounded by hundreds of displaced persons from the community, said what was done to the people of Ayakoromo by the JTF amounted to war crimes.
He also held that in the execution of the war, the JTF deployed heavy artillery at the Ayakoromo people while its soldiers also cordoned off the town and shot many to death in the search of wanted John Togo.
"JTF, in its armed attack, killed innumerable persons - including children, women, handicaps, aged and clergy. Not satisfied with such barbaric atrocities, JTF raped their wives, women and children in their presence, ransacked houses, looted their monies, coral-beads, clothing apparels,
artifacts, and other valuable properties and thereafter set their houses on blaze after securely locking their people inside their houses," he said. "The arson committed by JTF span through the entire Ayakoromo Federated Communities; while the summation of monetary looting is over N500m, which is inclusive of communal funds."
Care for civilians
The community leader also called on the Federal Government to end the occupation of Ayakoromo Community by the JTF.
"We wish to declare that our people in various refugee camps are greatly suffering, malnourished and without water, toilet and sanitation, adequate clothing, shelter and medicals," he said. "These inadequacies have caused out-break of epidemic and also greatly jeopardised the health of our people; with few death reported. We therefore call for aid from the International Community. We shall give copies of our letter to all and sundry to enable Nigerians and the entire world ascertain the truth on this matter and collectively rise against an institution which ought to be the defender of our lives and territories, but regretfully and frequently undertakes its statutory responsibilities perversely." President Goodluck Jonathan recently called on the JTF to ensure that civilians are protected in Ayakoromor community despite their operations against criminal gangs in the area.
He also expressed his sympathy to the families of all those who are currently displaced as a result of the JTF operation.
There has been widespread criticism of the JTF's raid of camps suspected to be harbouring John Togo, a runaway militant leader in the region, which has led to some deaths and displacement of hundreds. Mr Togo, who has given mixed messages about his intention to lay down his arms, was responsible for recent attacks on oil installations in the delta.
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