The 17 residents of the Okuama-Ewu community, whose lingering land disputes with the Okoloba community, Bomadi Local Government Area, escalated, leading to the intervention of soldiers on March 14, are demanding 200 billion naira in damages from the Nigerian Army for accusations, media trials and collective punishment.
The applicants, majorly artisans, whom their suit is before Hon Justice I.M Saniof the Federal High Court, Warriare seeking the enforcement oftheir fundamental human rights.
The applicants are; Victor Akemor, Madam Omotiwori Olarehor, Victor Odi, Okrika Emmanuel, Austin Eferemua, Evelyn Edjekola, Pa James Ubredu, David Oghenewede, Lucky Orode, Iwriogbo Best, Felix Orhiunu, Bernard Michael, Oghenekobiruo, Vero Joseph, Ebikawe Emmanuel, Francis Uphurie and Hon Belvis Adogbo.
They are suing for themselves and on behalf of the residents of Okuama community.
On Thursday, the applicants, through their lawyers, applied for reliefs against the Nigerian Army to the tune of Two Hundred Billion naira as general and exemplary damages for actions by the Nigerian Army that constitutes aflagrant violation of the fundamental human rights of the applicants and that of residents of the community to a fair hearing, private and family life, freedom of movement, choice of place of residency, ownership of both moveable and immovable properties and rights to the dignity of their human person.
Following the applicant’s application, the Nigerian Army has seven days to respond to the claim.
The court will fix a date for the hearing of the application.