The people of Olla in Igalamela/Odolu local government area of Kogi State have written a petition to the Chief of Naval Staff over alleged torture and shooting of some youths in the area.
Earlier in the year, people of Olla community had expressed concern over the show of impunity by men of the Nigeria Navy in acquiring a building meant for health care Centre, which was built by the administration of former governor, Ibrahim Idris.
Part of the petition read: “while the concern and the fear of our clients is yet to receive any response, or reaction or investigation being carried out, there seems to be ongoing flagrant abuse, violation of rights, torture, unwarranted shooting of harmless and defenceless civilians in the community at the moment.”
It further explained that Naval officers operating from that facility abducted two of the youths, who were taken to Police Station in Lokoja, but were rejected.
“Quite strangely, the affected youths while in the cell of the men of the Nigeria Navy were tortured to confess their political parties and they did,” the petitioners said.
They called for investigation of activities of the officers and to vacate from the facility.
They also urged Naval officers to tender apology to the community and those affected.
