DOZENS REPORTEDLY KILLED IN BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA

C O N F I D E N T I A L LAGOS 000276

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/22/2006
TAGS: PHUM PREL NI
SUBJECT: DOZENS REPORTEDLY KILLED IN BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA


Classified By: Pol-Econ Chief Ava Rogers per 1.4 b,d, and e


1. (SBU) Summary: The Nigerian Joint Military Task Force
(JTF) along with local militia reportedly "stormed" the
village of Odioma in Bayelsa State, February 19, killing
dozens. The operation was in response to the February 3
deaths of 12 individuals, including four local councilmen,
who were attempting to mediate a dispute between two
communities over Shell oil company benefits. End Summary.

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Dozens Dead After Military, Police
and Militia Invade Odioma
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2. (SBU) Press reported that about 200 men, some in
camouflage and some identified as "local cult members"
invaded Odioma on February 19. 20 speedboats and three
gunboats reportedly backed the operation. Press accounts of
the number of people killed range from 40-80, with up to 200
reportedly injured.


3. (C) Bayelsa State Information Commissioner Oronto Douglas
confirmed to Polspec that Bayelsa governor D.P.
Alamieyeseigha ordered a joint team of soldiers, police, and
local militia groups to "fish out" those responsible for the
February 3 deaths. Douglas declined comment on the number of
people killed during the February 19 operation.

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Shell Memorandum of (Mis) Understanding?
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4. (C) On February 3, a delegation of 12 members were killed
as they were attempting to mediate a territorial dispute
between the Odioma and Obioku communities regarding land on
which the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) was
carrying out exploratory drilling. Don Boham, SPDC Corporate
External Affairs Manager, told energyoff SPDC had an operable
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Obioku community
but that following the February 3 violence, SPDC withdrew its
crew and would rely on the state and local governments to
determine which group had a rightful claim to the land.
According to the press, Odioma leaders affirm their claim to
the land, but deny Odioma members were involved in the deaths
of the mediation delegation, saying "unknown" gunmen killed
them. (Comment: MOUs with energy companies frequently spawn
violent territorial disputes between neighboring communities
as each competes for the associated benefits. End Comment.)

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Government Establishes Investigative Committee
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5. (SBU) Bayelsa Governor Alamieyesiegha told journalists
that he resorted to military action when "all efforts to
persuade the communities to embrace peace failed." Our
security contacts from the energy sector told us that the
local police had been unable to stem the escalating tension
between the two communities. According to the press, the
Senate has directed its committees on Defense, Police
Affairs, Security, and Intelligence to visit the area and
investigate the deaths.
KRAMER