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Illegal evictions in Abonnema Wharf, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

A woman evicted fro Abonnema Wharf, Port Harcourt

We're closing this action as Amnesty International and Nigerian civil society organisations have met with the commissioner of urban development in July to condemn the demolitions and call for a stop to all upcoming demolitions.  The signatures from this petition will be used by Abonnema Wharf in their continued campaigning and lobbying. Thank you to all those who have add their names to this petition.

Thousands of people have been left homeless and in need of emergency support. Amnesty International will continue to campaign with the community for justice.

About this action

Thousands of men, women and children in Port Harcourt, Nigeria are sleeping on the streets, in cars, in churches and on relatives' or friends' cramped and already-crowded floors.

They have been illegally evicted by military forces from Abonnema Wharf, following orders from Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to clear the area.

The evictions began on 27 June 2012. Five days later the entire community had been destroyed. Some residents have lost everything.

It is currently the rainy season in Port Harcourt, yet the authorities have not offered the people affected alternative housing or even temporary shelter. We need emergency relief for those whose homes have been destroyed, and the guarantee of no more illegal evictions. Find out more 


Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi,

We the undersigned stand in solidarity with the people of Abonnema Wharf in Port Harcourt Nigeria after their forcible eviction by the Rivers State authorities.

We call on Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to;
  • adopt a moratorium on all evictions and demolitions in the waterfronts;
  • immediately provide temporary housing to the people’s whose homes have been destroyed and who haven't received compensation;
  • provide emergency relief, including access to food, shelter, water, sanitation and health care services;
  • ensure that all those evicted receive adequate alternative housing and compensation for all losses and suffering;
  • put all necessary safeguards in place to prevent further forced evictions, and to ensure that any evictions comply with national law, as well as regional and international human rights standards;
  • and order a full and independent investigation into this eviction and the role of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in assisting the demolitions to ensure something like this never happens again.