23.05.2006 - Source: Amnesty International

On 19 February soldiers invaded the community of Odioma, killing 17 people ("Annual Report 2006") [ID 17599]

"On 19 February soldiers invaded the community of Odioma in Bayelsa State, killing at least 17 people and razing about 80 per cent of the buildings. Two women were reportedly raped and community leaders said they were beaten and forced to eat sand. The purpose of the raid was to arrest leaders of an armed vigilante group allegedly responsible for killing 12 people in January. The findings of a state-level judicial commission of inquiry was not made public."

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

15 civilians killed; many houses burnt ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46036],  [ID 15679]

"The federal government sometimes deployed the army in troubled areas during the year. On February 19, soldiers raided the town of Odioma in Brass Local Council of Bayelsa State following the killing of 12 persons, including four local council chairmen, on February 13. Soldiers killed at least 15 civilians, and burnt many houses. An independent investigation into the incident found that the military acted appropriately in responding to a perceived threat"

Document(s): Open document

27.10.2003 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

Niger delta region: Bayelsa State set up an armed vigilante force to help curb growing piracy in its waterways that has claimed dozens of lives this year ("Vigilante force helps police curb piracy in Niger delta") [#17097],  [ID 15299]

Document(s): Open document