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Niger Delta town 'destroyed and deserted'
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By Lagos correspondent Barnaby Phillips
Journalists in Nigeria who have been allowed access to a town in the Niger Delta which was sealed off by the army more than one week ago say there has been widespread destruction and that it is virtually deserted.
The Nigerian army moved into the town of Odi in Bayelsa State nine days ago, after youths there were accused by the government of killing 12 policemen.
 There is no need for a speech because there is nobody to speak with  |
| Senate President Chuba Okadigbo in Odi |
Now a group of Nigerian journalists accompanying an investigative mission from the National Assembly has been allowed in.
They found evidence that the army had used severe force in Odi.
Many houses have been burnt down. Apart from a few elderly women, the town is almost deserted.
Decomposing bodies
The women said members of their families had been killed by soldiers.
Locals have seen little of the wealth generated by the oil industry |
Soldiers in the town refused to answer questions.
The army's intervention has caused bitter resentment in the Niger Delta, especially amongst the Ijaw ethnic group, who make up most of the inhabitants of Odi.
It is not clear whether the army has been successful in catching the youths accused of killing the policemen, but this episode will certainly raise concerns about the protection of human rights in Nigeria's new democracy.
The members of the National Assembly refused to comment but said they would study their findings back in the capital, Abuja.
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24 Nov 99 | Africa |
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Niger Delta remains sealed off |
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06 Nov 98 | Africa |
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Fighting the oil firms |
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22 Apr 99 | Crossing continents |
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Feature: The Akassa approach |
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03 Jun 99 | Africa |
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Nigeria reinforces oil town |
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07 May 99 | Africa |
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New clashes in Nigeria's oil region |
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Oil industry profile |
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