We‘ll not tolerate Military brutalising our citizens-Sen. Omo-Agege

 

By Onitsha Shedrack—–DELTA—

Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, at the national Assembly has stated that Urhobo nation and the Nigeria Senate will not tolerate military brutalization of Nigerians, noting that the military as an institution does not have license to brutalise citizens.

Sen. Omo-Agege who visited Ovre ‘rEku community, Eku, Ethiope East Local Government Area, Delta State, following public outcry that greeted the alleged booting and flogging of some protesting women by soldiers attached to Presco Oil, warned that he will not allow the oppression of the Urhobo people anywhere in the country.

It would be recalled that some soldiers allegedly led by Lt. E.D Oworobo deployed to Presco Plc and Newcross Petroleum Ltd at Ovre r’Eku from the 4^th Brigade Command, Benin City, had on March 2, 2016 flogged and booted women from the community protesting against the forceful take-over of the farm land by Presco oil.

Condemning the action of the military personnel Sen. Omo-Agege stated that, “it is bad enough for soldiers to brutalise our men and even worse for them to brutalise our women,” adding that the Nigeria Senate will not tolerate military brutality on innocent Nigeria.

Appealing to the victims of the attack and the community leaders, he urged them to remain calm as he promised to take the matter up with the Army authority to ensure that the perpetuators are brought to book.

While commiserating with the people for the loss suffered, he assured them that he will liaise with colleagues from Edo State to resolve the issues, noting that Deltans and the Edo people are brothers and one people dating back to day in Bendel state.

According to him, “on the issue of military brutalization of our aged mothers, I will take it up with the military authority to seek some explanation, we must get to the bottom of this matter and I can assure you that the Senate will not tolerate military brutalising our citizens.

“I can assure you that heads will roll on this matter; nobody has the license to brutalise our citizens under any guise.

“I want to appeal to you to remain calm and don’t take laws into your hands, ensure that the issues do not escalate further than it is now, we will make sure that the matter is resolved peacefully.”

Earlier, Chief Momo Orie Spokesman of Ovre’rEku community and Madam Felicia Emoghene narrated their ordeal in the hands of soldiers attached to the Prisco Oil company who they alleged have consistently harassed them without provocation over the boundary issue between their community and Edo State.

Senator Omo-Agege had earlier visited the President-General (PG) of Eku Development Union, Chief Joe Ukueku and his executives to get first hand information. Chief Ukueku thanked the Senator for his intervention on the land dispute.