Group Protests Threat To Evict N’ Deltans In Lagos

A non-governmental organisation, NGO, the Niger Delta Christian Network, has petitioned the Federal and Lagos State Governments over the purported threat by some persons to forcefully evict  indigenes of Niger Delta living in some islands in Lagos State.

The National President of the Association, Dr. D.D. Umoh-Abasi who disclosed this at a press briefing in Port Harcourt listed the affected islands to include Apapa, Ajegunle, Ikorodu, Epe, Etiosa, Ajah and Takwa-Bay.

Also affected are Amowu – Odofin, Ojo Badagry and Seme boarders.

He said that those affected by the proposed eviction order had lived in the islands for over a hundred years, stressing that most of them were now helpless as they had no where to go.

“These Niger Delta people have been living in these areas for over a hundred and fifty years and do not know any other place as their home.

“But in recent times, some curious elements and self-acclaimed authorities have started threatening them to quit the place, claiming that the land has been sold to some companies”.

The group described the situation as a violation of the United Nation’s Charter on human rights especially as it pertains to the international habitat rules.

The NGO which also decried the deplorable condition of the Niger Delta indigenes in these areas, stressed the need for urgent intervention of President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Fashola of Lagos to save the situation, from degenerating into crisis.

“These people are part and parcel of the Nigerian nation and should therefore partake of the commonwealth of our richly blessed nation”, he said.