Ledum Mitee, former president of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), recently revealed details of his harrowing escape from Nigeria in 1995 to avoid execution. Mitee, a close associate of the late Ken Saro-Wiwa, fled the country shortly before Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni activists were executed. This move into exile was a desperate bid for survival amid the Nigerian government’s intense crackdown on Ogoni activists at the time.
In a video interview shared by Arise TV from 09:56, Mitee recounted the treacherous journey he took through a dense forest to evade capture. Alongside him was his young daughter, barely a year old. The journey was fraught with difficulties, including heavy rain, which made their passage through the wilderness even more dangerous and challenging.
While crossing the border, Mitee and his daughter were apprehended by a group of people. These individuals, initially suspicious, questioned his decision to endanger himself and his child on such a risky journey. They were struck by Mitee’s willingness to face these hazards for the sake of his family’s safety and his commitment to the Ogoni cause. He pointed out that, much like Jesus, who knew the path he was on despite the risks, he felt a sense of inevitability about his actions.
The captors warned Mitee not to disclose the route he had taken to escape, likely to prevent future activists from using the same path. Grateful for their understanding and willingness to release him, Mitee agreed to their terms. This crucial act of mercy allowed him to safely reach his destination and begin his life in exile.
According to him: “I had a one-year-old daughter and as we were going, it rained cats and dogs. While we were in the forest trying to cross the border, we were arrested by some people. They said ‘you want to die, if you want to die why are you carrying this small child to go and die?’ and I said Jesus knew he was going to die and Judas that it came through was now condemned. So why should you want to be the Judas?. And they looked at themselves and said ‘when you go, please don’t give any press statement about where you passed through’ and I said thank you”.