ODI — 1999 · Major Tragedy
The Odi Massacre
After an armed gang killed twelve police officers near the town of Odi in Bayelsa State in early November 1999, the Nigerian army entered the predominantly Ijaw town on 20 November 1999. Almost every building was destroyed; only the bank, a church and the health centre were left standing. The government put the death toll at 43; Human Rights Watch said tens of unarmed civilians were killed and that a toll of several hundred was entirely possible, while local groups gave far higher figures. In February 2013 the Federal High Court ordered the state to pay the community 37.6 billion naira in compensation.
- Date
- 1999
- Place
- Bayelsa State, Nigeria, Odi, NG
- Category
- Major Tragedy
- Case Status
- Closed
- Coordinates
- 5.1800, 6.2900 ↗
Timeline of Events
- November 1999Twelve police officers were killed near Odi.
- 20 November 1999The army entered Odi and largely destroyed the town.
- December 1999Human Rights Watch published its report.
- February 2013The Federal High Court ordered compensation.
Sources
- Wikipedia — Odi massacre en.wikipedia.org ↗
- Human Rights Watch — The Destruction of Odi hrw.org ↗
- Vanguard — Odi invasion: Court orders FG to pay N37.6bn compensation vanguardngr.com ↗
- Wikipedia
- Human Rights Watch
- Vanguard
Source grade A: several independent sources, at least one an official record or reference work. If you spot a mistake or something missing, report it with "Suggest a correction" in the app.
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🕯️ This record was prepared with respect, in memory of those who lost their lives.