From Akanimo Sampson,
Port Harcourt
Veteran Labour rights activist Che Ibegwura was among 20 people who were arrested yesterday at Iwhrekan Community in Ughelli South Local Government, Delta State by men of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF).
Others are Chima William, a lawyer, Felix Opute, a journalist and Celestian Akpobari.
An activist, Mr. Patrick Naagbanton said they were arrested by a team of JTF soldiers, who rode in a Toyota car with registration AGI4BMA.
As at press time, efforts to get the JTF to comment on the incident were futile.
Naagbanton said they were being held at a military camp in the area.
The Environmental Rights Action/ Friends of the Earth, Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) has condemned the arrests.
In a statement signed by ERA/FoEN Executive Director, Mr. Nnimmo Bassey, the group said some of its officers, community elders, women, children and journalists were arrested during a community interactive forum on the impact of gas flaring.
It said about 25 persons, including its Project Officer, Williams, were arrested and detained by the soldiers.
"We are shocked that this kind of reckless display of crude force, which we thought had died and buried with the military junta of General Sani Abacha , has suddenly resurrected under Yar’ Adua administration. Why is governmnet colluding with oil companies to shield the world from knowing the impact of gas flaring on the lives of Niger Delta people?" Bassey said. .
He added: "This action has shown clearly that this government is not concerned about the impact of gas flaring on the livelihoods and health of Niger Delta people. It is also a clear evidence that what this administration has to offer for the genuine agitation of Niger Delta people for an end to gas flaring is, intimidation , crude force and cover ups. It is so sad that this has happened under a government that has gone to the roof top to profess its belief in the rule of law."
