The decision by the government of Nigeria to send in its military troops to occupy the Niger Delta State of Bayelsa has had very serious repurcussions for both the local residents of the Niger Delta whose lives are now threatened and the new, supposedly democratic government of President Obasanjo, whose frail attempt at democracy is in terrible danger of passing into the dark shadows of another chaotic military rule. The military invasion of Bayelsa has resulted in the total destruction of Odi Village and death of over 500 people, many of whom were unarmed and defenseless elderly women and children. The 70-year old traditional ruler of Odi, King Bolou Efeke, was attacked by the invading military force and he is now in the hospital fighting for his life. Over 20,000 frightened refugees are reported to have fled the town and are still hiding in the bush, without food or water. As soldiers continue the occupation of Odi and environs, there are fears that some wounded residents of the area might still be trapped in forests, where they fled to escape the shooting of soldiers.
Soldiers occupying the area continue to refuse journalists and charities access to the area.
Humanitarian organisations, such as the Doctors Without Borders, who have asked to enter the area with badly needed medical supplies have had their requests turned down by the authorities. The government of Bayelsa State has threatened to criminalise any resident of neighboring communities that gives assistance to any of the wounded. The government warned that such sympathisers would be arrested and prosecuted. Meanwhile, over 2000 residents of Odi and environs, mostly women, children and the elderly, who were abducted in their communities by soldiers are being denied access to relatives and medical supplies at the Elele Army Barracks were they are being kept. Hunger is threatening the survival of many communities as the total blockade of the area prevents residents from moving out to markets to sell farm produce and buy food items.