Ex-Rep Raises Alarm: High Rate Of Killings Decried In Rivers' Ogoniland

Hon. Emmanuel Deeyah, a former member of the House of Representatives and current chairman of the Ogoni Trust Fund (OTF), has vehemently condemned the alarming rate of killings and pervasive insecurity plaguing communities across Ogoniland, Rivers State. His call for decisive action against those perpetrating and sponsoring the current wave of violence underscores the urgent need for peace and stability in the region.

Deeyah recently paid a visit to Dr. Thomas Bariere, the chairman of Khana local government area (LGA) in Rivers State, at Bori. This visit was prompted by the recent tragic killing of Mr. Letam Kiine, a former chief security officer (CSO) of the LGA, and other reported fatalities in Ogoniland. Mr. Kiine met his demise when he was attacked by unidentified gunmen along the Kenule Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic Road in Bori, which serves as the traditional headquarters of the Ogoni people.

During his meeting with the council chairman, councillors, and LGA workers, Hon. Deeyah offered his condolences for the losses suffered and expressed strong confidence in Dr. Bariere’s capacity to consolidate security within the area. He highlighted a past period when certain communities in the region were inaccessible due to insecurity, emphasizing the critical importance of the current administration's efforts. The OTF chairman fully endorsed Dr. Bariere's leadership, commending his dedication to ensuring peace and advising that all sponsors of criminal activities in the area be apprehended and brought to justice under the full extent of the law.

Deeyah conveyed a resolute message, stating, “All these things are distractions. Whoever is causing insecurity in the LGA is wasting his or her time. We will support you. Put your feet down and don’t be scared of anybody. We will surely chase those causing insecurity out. Day and night do not live together.” He further acknowledged the LGA chairman's significant efforts in fostering peace and urged those responsible for insecurity to cease their actions. Deeyah stressed the symbolic importance of Bori's peace, noting, “If Bori is not at peace, Ogoni can never be at peace.” He reiterated his personal support for Bariere, encouraging him to continue his work without fear or favour and, if necessary, to “force peace on Khana.” Deeyah warned perpetrators that the long arm of the law would eventually catch up with them, appealing for an end to violence so that everyone could enjoy peace.

In response, Khana LGA Chairman Dr. Thomas Bariere expressed gratitude for Deeyah’s visit, interpreting it as a clear demonstration of support from the people and leadership of the area for his administration. Bariere asserted that the council is now committed to decisively ending insecurity. He made a striking observation that those responsible for instigating insecurity are often the very individuals who seek to be appointed as chief security officers, stating, “You cannot be a source of insecurity and at the same time you are requesting to be part of those who want to provide security. You cannot fool all the people all the time.” Bariere concluded by assuring the people of Khana that the excessive killings would be addressed, and the LGA's resources would be deployed to identify and prosecute all culprits to the full wrath of the law.