The Indigenous People of Niger Delta (IPND), says what happened during the governorship election in Lagos state is not just a declaration of war against its people but evil against humanity.
In a statement issued by President General of the group, Tiemo Pumokumo, on Tuesday, IPND described as barbaric the attacks on non-Yoruba speaking people in the state during the March 18 governorship elections.
It also appealed to the Government of Nigeria and the International Communities, most especially the EU, USA, Government of Canada, UK Government etc to intervene before it is too late.
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“The attacks of people in the Lagos elections is not just against Igbo people but everyone from the South South and South East. Most Yorubas, especially the uneducated thugs that are used to execute the attacks do not know the difference between Igbo, Urhobo, Ijaw, Ibibio, Erik, Bini, Isan, Etc. As long as you are not Yoruba speaking and you are from Southern Nigeria, then you are considered to be an Ibo.
“Also important to add that apart from the international oil and gas companies operating in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria, those with the highest number of Oil blocks are Yorubas. Also important to state that the work force in the oil and gas industry operating in the Niger Delta has Yorubas and the largest population. Our people have not exhibited any form of crude ethnic hatred or xenophobic attacks against the Yorubas any day.
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“There are Yoruba settlements within the South South and South East and there is no time when they are attacked during elections and stopped from voting on election day.
“The Indigenous People of Niger Delta (IPND) hereby in strong terms state that what happened in Lagos State Elections is not just a declaration of war against our people but evil against humanity. All those behind the de-tasteful evil against human civilization must be brought to book for peace, security and justice to reign in Nigeria and in the world in general.
“Elections are used to demonstrate free will of citizens and residence of a community or State for those who they want to govern them in a free, fair, credible and peaceful manner. Election is not war.