The Idoma League of Editors, ILE, condemns in its entirety the arrest of an activist, Okwori Onaji, for allegedly organizing a press conference to question the activities of miners in Owukpa, a suburb of Ogbadibo LGA of Benue State.
The League views the arrest of the lead protester, Onaji as illegal and against his fundamental human rights as enshrined in the constitution.
Our findings have revealed that relevant security agencies were rightly briefed and informed before the press conference was organized.
Those who illegally masterminded the arrest of Onaji claimed he was with AK-47 but failed to provide the picture of the weapon, the protest banners and the contents therein, as well as the destructions caused by the said protest.
ILE views their action as unconstitutional and a breach of fundamental human rights.
This body strongly warns elders and leaders trying to gag the press from reporting the environmental degradation resulting from the mining activities in Owukpa to desist as the fourth estate of the realm cannot be canned by any selfish group or individuals.
We demand immediate release of Onaji and an apology from those behind this dehumanizing arrest, else we shall take a step further in ensuring that the safety of Idoma youths are guaranteed.
We call on the Inspector General of Police, the Benue State Commissioner of Police and the Chief Security officer of the state, His Excellency, Governor Samuel Ortom to call the Orokam Division of the Force to order by immediately ordering the release of the arrested youth.
Owukpa and by extension, Idoma land belong to every son and daughter of the land and as such every citizen can demand for accountability over the natural resources endowed on the land.
We advise some Owukpa elders behind this arrest not to be too afraid of the press if they can actually come clean with an explanation on what is happening in the community.
We had expected the elders and the police to peacefully explain to the aggrieved youths at the scene of the press conference on what is going on regarding Owukpa coal instead of gagging them. This is a clear violation of the FOI Act.
Arrest of the young man only goes to communicate that there is a secrete agenda. Consequently, more questions need to be asked regarding the activities of miners in Idoma land.
Those milking from the resources of the land while the citizens suffer should not forget that the gods of Idoma land can ask questions at the right time.
We warn that should Okwori remain in detention, we shall be forced to release more statements on wider media platforms regarding the activities of miners, and other details we may have obtained regarding mining activities in Owukpa.
Signed: Ali Adoyi, President
Com. Yemi Itodo, Sec.
Ameh Comrade Godwin, PRO.
