By Jonathan Ugbal
The Okuni Area Command of the Nigerian Police Force on Tuesday arrested environmental and climate activist, Odey Oyama along with six others in Okuni area of Ikom Local Government Area of central Cross River, family sources say.
Oyama is the Executive Director of the Rainforest Resource and Development Center and served as Chairman of the Cross River Anti-Deforestation Committee.
Mr. Oyama, a vocal critic, had gone out to work when police officials stormed the area, shooting sporadically, and arrested him in a gestapo-styled operation that left residents scared, a family member (name withheld) told CrossRiverWatch.
“Until now, we do not know where he is. We were told he would be moved to Calabar, but now, are being informed he was moved to the Ikom Division, which is suspicious,” the family member said.
“A Chief who went to the Area Command told us that Odey’s name was not listed amongst the people detained there,” the family member added.
CrossRiverWatch has reached out to the Police for comments. Also, calls to the known phone line of the Area Commander, ACP Franklin Akalaonu did not connect as at press time.
More details later…