Residents of Owerewere, Aminigboko, Egunughan, and Emesu communities in Emughan clan, Rivers State, have fled their homes due to alleged brutality by military personnel.
The residents claim that the soldiers started harassing and disrupting the peace of their communities after an incident where gunmen shot and killed four soldiers and two drivers, and kidnapped two expatriates.
The Nigerian Army has since occupied the communities, forcing the residents to seek refuge in the bush. They allege that innocent civilians are being attacked and mistreated by the soldiers.
The displaced residents are facing hunger, lack of access to medical care, and other hardships in their current situation. The 6 Division, Nigeria Army Spokesperson, Jonah Danjuma, denied the allegations and stated that the troops were deployed to apprehend the gunmen responsible for the attack on the soldiers. He maintained that the soldiers operate in line with global best practices and respect for human rights.
