By: Felix Ikpotor
Ogoni women say they will be willing to testify against the Nigerian Army over allegations of rape when called upon to do so.
Spokewoman for the women Mrs. Comfort Daadan said this in an interview with newsmen. Mrs Daadan said during the military raids on Yeghe, no fewer than 26 women were raped by Nigerian soldiers.
She said the women are willing to testify before any public if called upon to do so.
Mrs Daadan have said that at least 7 of the women have reported that they can still identify the men who raped them.
She explained that said it was important to let the world know what has happened to Ogoni women in Yeghe in the hands of Nigerian soldiers.
While calling for an independent investigation, the women leader called on the military authorities not to send army to the community again because the women are ready to go nude if that will stop the abuses meted on them by the soldiers.
It would be recall that since February 22, Nigerian soldiers have raided some Ogoni communities claiming to be searching for armed youths. During the raid, they shot and killed over 30 persons including one pregnant woman, three children and traders who were going about their normal businesses.
No one has been held to account for the extra-judicial killings even as the soldiers have conducted several other raids including a recent one in September in which one John Gbarazia was taken away along with his wife. Mr. Gbarazia has not been seen since then.
