As an outspoken critic of unlawful logging activities, Comrade Oyama has dedicated his life to advocating for environmental protection and the rights of local communities.
By TheInvestigator
The environmental NGO community in Cross River State is voicing serious concerns following the arrest of Comrade Odey Oyama, a prominent environmentalist and human rights defender. Oyama and six others were reportedly taken into custody by the State Police Command for protesting against alleged illegal operations by Chinese entities in the Okuni Community Forest in Ikom Local Government Area.
The arrest, which occurred on January 15, has been viewed as an alarming infringement on fundamental human rights. It appears to be linked to Oyama’s long-standing activism to protect the local environment and the rights of indigenous communities. The community forest is integral to the region’s fragile ecosystem and the well-being of its inhabitants.
As an outspoken critic of unlawful logging activities, Comrade Oyama has dedicated his life to advocating for environmental protection and the rights of local communities. His efforts have centred on raising awareness and accountability concerning environmental degradation, and his arrest has sparked outrage among civil society groups.
In response to Oyama’s detention, the environmental NGO community has issued a global call for his immediate and unconditional release. The demand emphasizes the need for the Cross River State Police Command to drop all charges against him and for the state government to intervene on his behalf.
They also urge the Nigerian government to prioritize the safety and protection of human rights defenders and environmental activists across the nation. In their statement, they call on the international community to condemn the repression of peaceful protests and hold the Nigerian authorities accountable for their obligations to uphold human rights, both nationally and internationally.
The statement highlighted the importance of collaboration between the state government and environmental NGOs to protect Nigeria’s last tropical rainforests, particularly in Cross River State. The coalition asserts that Oyama’s arrest represents an attack on freedom of expression and civic participation in the struggle for environmental justice.
Comrade Edem Edem, the Executive Director of Green Concern for Development (GREENCODE), signed the statement made available to journalists expressing solidarity with Oyama, stating, “We stand with all those who courageously work to protect our planet and its people from exploitation and harm.” The incident has ignited a renewed call for stronger protections for environmental activists and highlights the urgent need to address illegal activities threatening local ecosystems.
As the situation develops, observers and advocates are closely monitoring the response from governmental authorities and the ongoing plight of environmental defenders in Nigeria.