A human rights group has launched an investigation into the alleged deportation and dumping of 67 Igbos by the Lagos State Government, which reportedly dumped them in the famed commercial town of Onitsha, Anambra State, in the wee hours of Wednesday, July 24.
In a message posted on its website yesterday, Due Process Advocates (DPA) sought information about the incident that would enable its lawyers to launch a suit against the Lagos State Government over the issue. The message goes as follows:
“URGENT ANNOUNCEMENT:
“CALL ON MEMBERS FOR INFORMATION:
“Any member o DPA in Asaba, Onitsha or Awka with any information on those 70 persons that were reported to have been deported from Lagos State to Onitsha should kindly contact DPA.
“Also any member in that area who could help obtain information should please help. We are looking for the following basic information:
“(a) Name and phone number of any of the deportees.
“(b) Name and phone number of any relative of any deportee.
“(c) Name and phone number of any eyewitness to the arrival, dropping off, picking up, handling and shipment of any deportees from Lagos to Anambara State recently.
“(d) Name and number of any government official or NGO involved in this mater or who bas been reported to have made a public statement on the matter.
“Your help is needed for the lawyers to be able to do something about the problem.”
DPA, which has over 6,000 members, is known for intervening in cases involving under-privileged people, including defending them in court.
According to reports, the Lagos State Government has come under heavy criticism from various groups for the alleged deportation of of Igbos for the second time in a year in brazen contravention of the Nigerian Constitution.
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