3 Times Unarmed Citizens Were Caught in the Crossfire of the Nigerian Army

The return to democracy on May 29th, 1999, was a time of jubilation for the citizens of Nigeria. However, different forms of uprisings and ethnoreligious crises continued with the birth of the fourth republic. There has been a disturbing willingness by the civilian government to use the same methods as the military government of the past to quell these disturbances. From Odi in Bayelsa to Zaki Biam in Benue state, the Nigerian Army deployed to restore order added fuel to the fire.

Lekki toll Plaza was one of the main meeting points during the EndSARS protests.

Unfortunately, the situation in Lekki due to the #EndSARS protest was peaceful. Before the Lekki massacre on October 20th, 2020, no form of violence had been reported in Lekki. This development calls for the question; Why was the military deployed, and who ordered that deployment to that location? The Lekki massacre is similar to the other times when unarmed citizens were caught in the crossfire. Three of these situations are discussed in detail below.

Nigerian Army activities in Odi

The Odi massacre was carried out in Bayelsa State in November 1999 by members of the Nigerian Army. The conflict started when some militant forces took over the town of Odi and held the city, hostage. They caused problems by extorting money from local traders, stealing food, and mounting illegal roadblocks. In this case, the local authorities or traditional rulers could do little because these youths were armed with automatic rifles. Reports from human rights watch show that the traditional ruler wrote to the Governor about the disturbing situation in Odi but got no response.

On November 4th, 1999, an armed gang killed seven Policemen in the community. In the following days, five other Policemen were reportedly killed in confrontations around the community. After the death of the officers of the Nigerian Police, President Olusegun Obasanjo, in a letter addressed to the Governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, threatened to declare a state of emergency if the murderers were not brought to justice. The Governor was given two weeks to handle this situation.

Unfortunately, before the 14 days elapsed, the Nigerian Army marched on Odi. They came under attack from the militants who allegedly killed the police officers and engaged in a short-lived battle. Reports say after the military gained access to the city, they destroyed everything in their line of sight. Eyewitnesses who hid in the bush also reported that soldiers fired indiscriminately at residents, targeting young men. Most youths who brought trouble to the town were reportedly shot and killed, but many fled. They also didn’t take time to ensure buildings were empty before setting them ablaze.

The destruction of Odi went on for days, and every building was brought to the ground. When the soldiers left, everything was destroyed except the bank, an Anglican church, and a health center. Odi became a ghost town, and everyone entering and exiting the city was searched thoroughly. The level of civilian casualties was so high that nobody could accurately figure out how many people died. The Federal government denied that any military action had been ordered but that security forces had been deployed to avert the breakdown of law and order.

The Nigerian Armed Forces mount a roadblock somewhere.

Nigerian Army activities in Zaki Biam

The events in the Zaki Biam area of Benue state had similarities with what happened in Odi in Bayelsa state. The Tiv – Jukun crisis had been going on for a while, and the Nigerian Army was brought in to quell the situation. While this was happening, 19 soldiers were attacked and killed by the Tiv militia. Their mutilated bodies were found in the Zaki-Biam area of Benue state. The murder of soldiers worsened the situation prompting the Olusegun Obasanjo administration to urge the military to do everything in their power to bring the killers to justice.

According to the human rights watch report, the military operation began on Monday, October 22nd, when soldiers rounded up people in a village (Gbeji), separated the men from the others and opened fire on the men indiscriminately. Eyewitnesses reported that some of the victims’ bodies were also set ablaze. The soldiers proceeded to other villages around the Zaki Biam area, and property destruction was widespread. Many terrified residents had to abandon their homes and flee into the bush for safety. The accurate number was never established, but eyewitnesses reported that 100 and 200 people died during the massacre.

Shia Attack

The attack on Shiites took place in December 2015 by members of the Nigerian Army. According to eyewitnesses, the problem started when the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Col. Buratai, got caught up in a roadblock of protesters in Zaria. According to the Army, their confrontation with the Shia sect members resulted from an assassination attempt on the Chief of Army Staff, whose convoy was passing by. They shot their way out of the jam.

Nigeria Shiite Muslims took to the street to protest and demanded the release of Shiite leader Ibraheem Zakzaky in Kano, Nigeria, Monday, December 21st, 2015. Hundreds of Shiites were reportedly killed in an army raid in Nigeria last Saturday. (AP Photo/Muhammed Giginyu)

Unfortunately, the military wasn’t done as they proceeded to carry out attacks on three different locations; a mosque, El Zakzaky’s home, and the sect’s burial ground in two days. At the end of everything, reports estimate over 300 Shiites were killed and many others injured due to the attack by the military. The military also carted away their bodies and buried them in a mass grave. As a result, many people couldn’t locate their loved ones to have a proper burial. It was also challenging to determine an accurate death toll because of this. Though it was reported that the Shiites had sticks and stones, no army officer turned out dead or was reported injured by the Shiites.

Summary

The Lekki massacre seems another occasion where unarmed citizens were caught in the crossfire of attacks by men in uniform. Eyewitness reports and different video clips place the members of the Nigerian military present at the scene. What we have gotten so far is outright denial and other calls for patience as the investigations continue. We hope this time will be different and justice will be served.