Lawmaker petitions Reps over NGO’s alleged involvement in killing of Taraba residents
Rep. David Fuoh (APC-Taraba) has petitioned the House of Representatives over alleged involvement in the killings of some of his constituents by a Non-Governmental Organisation, Africa Nature Investors (ANI).
The petition also accused the operatives of National Park of culpability.
The lawmaker, representing Ghasaka/Kurmi/Sardauna Federal Constituency, made the allegations in a petition he submitted before the House in Abuja on Saturday.
Mr Fuoh said he was prompted to file a petition against perpetrators of the dastardly acts when all previous attempts to stop their excesses failed.
The petition is titled: Petition by the People of Mayo Balewo/Mahdanu Community against ANI, the chief of Mayoselbe and the controller general of National Park.
He alleged that three persons were killed while six others were arrested during a raid by ANI.
He added that the incident was part of the large pattern of brutality by ANI, resulting in at least seven deaths outside the park’s boundaries and killing a large number of cattle.
He further alleged that it had also destroyed farmlands and burned several houses in the guise of park protection.
According to him, there are indications that the management of Gashaka-Gumti National Park (GGNP) and ANI are handling public concerns with levity.
According to the petitioner, the victims are Adamu Yahya, 70; Abdu Yahya, 52; and Nuhu Yahya, 42.
The petitioner prayed that the house should condemn the brutal killings and the arrest of innocent people by ANI and the management of the park.
He also prayed that measures should be taken to protect the rights and safety of communities living near the park.
The lawmaker also demanded an investigation of the activities of ANI and GGNP, their impact on local communities in regards to social responsibility and other benefits such as local content in terms of recruitment.
A reliable source within the leadership of the National Assembly assured that the accused would be given a fair hearing in the course of the lawmakers’ investigation.
Efforts by correspondents to get the reaction of the NGO proved abortive as calls made to the organisation with the number 2349077327123 were consistently rejected.
Messages sent through WhatsApp and regular SMS were also not responded to.
(NAN)
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