Activist sues FG, others over herdsmen killings in Delta
Lawyer and human rights activist, Malcolm Omirhobo, has sued the federal government and Delta state government over the violation in fundamental human rights of citizens of Delta State caused by the killings of Fulani herdsmen in the region.
Other respondents in the suit are Delta State government, the Attorney General of the state, Delta State House of Assembly, Commissioner of Police, President of Nigeria, the Attorney General of the Federation, National Assembly of Nigeria, Inspector General of Police, Nigerian Army and the Incorporated Trustees of Miyetti-Allah Kautal Hore socio cultural association.
The suit, which is before justice Toyin Adegoke of the Federal High Court, Asaba is supported by 157 paragraph affidavit deposed to by the applicant.
He averred that the Fulani herdsmen armed with unlicensed AK 47 and assault rifles intimidate, terrorise and coerce host communities to have their way in utilising their land for open grazing of their cattle.
According to the applicant, the Fulani herdsmen illegally and unlawfully occupy lands, rape, rob, kidnap, destroy and burn down buildings and properties of host communities, killing, slaughtering and maiming hundreds of unarmed, innocent defenseless people, children, women and the aged inclusive.
“In these attacks, properties worth several millions of naira are destroyed by the invading Fulani herdsmen and several people are injured and hospitalised,” he stated.
He however called for the restraining of Fulani herdsmen, Miyetti-Allah and the Nigerian army from violating the fundamental rights to life, dignity of human person, personal liberty, freedom of movement, right to freedom from discrimination and the right to own land of the applicant and members of the Nigerian public in Ubulu-Uku, Isele-Uku, Oniche – Olona, Onicha – Ugbo, Onocha-Olona, Orvre R’ Oruarivie Abraka Kingdom, Ovwor-Olomu, Edjekota, Ogor Kingdom and Uwheru and environs of Delta State.
“The demand of tolls/ levies and/or protection money by Armed Fulani herdsmen and members of the 12th respondent from their host communities in Uwheru of Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State and environs before they can enter their farms, bushes and waters to farm, hunt and fish is a flagrant violation of their fundamental rights to respect for the dignity of their persons, their rights to life, freedom of movement and freedom to own landed property as enshrined in sections 34. 33, 41 and 43 of the 1999 Constitution and Articles 5, 4, 12 and 14 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (Ratification and Enforcement Act ) LFN 1990 and therefore improper, illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional,” he stated.
He prayed the court to compel the respondents to perform their sacred duties and responsibilities to protect and respect the fundamental rights to life, dignity of human person, personal liberty, freedom of movement, right to freedom from discrimination and the right to own landed propety of the applicant and those of Delta citizens. The matter has been fixed for hearing on March 19.
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