Nigerian soldiers have allegedly raided and burnt down houses in the Kalaekuleama community within the Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State. This follows the suspension of oil bunkering activities within the community.

Occupants of the community have called for an investigation into the matter, which took place on the 29th of July 2019.

Chief Joel Asobari has refuted the claims that members of the community were involved in illegal oil bunkering and has called on the President to intervene in the matter. He also claims to have been assaulted.

“We were in our house when the JTF men came in a gunboat and a speed boat. The boats were loaded with armed soldiers. When they came, they said the residents should vacate the community because they wanted to burn down the houses. They went into action without listening to our pleas and rendered us homeless. We are pleading with the government to come to our aid. We are now without clothes and are homeless.”

Asobari explained that despite pleas the soldiers burnt down the community including the schools.
“The only school that we built has been burnt to ashes; now, our children have no school again. We want the government to intervene and help us out,” he added.