On November 20, 1999, Soldiers stormed the community of Odi in Bayelsa State and destroyed properties, burning down buildings, in a revenge act after 12 policemen were killed by militants in the area. The people of the area, in a bid to fight against their violation of rights took the Federal Government to court requesting for N20bn as damages.

A high Court in Port Harcourt recently gave orders that the Federal Government must pay a compensation amount of N37.6 billion to victims of the invasion. N17.6bn is to be paid for special damages while N20bn is to be paid for general damages to the community.

The Court also issued a permanent embargo on the defendants and their accomplices from assaulting Odi community ever again.

Picture Credit: Nigerdelta standard