Lorine Emenike
The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, MOSOP, has expressed deep concerns over the continued violence and killings taking place in most communities in Ogoni.
MOSOP in a statement by Sunny Zorvah, its Acting Publicity Secretary, said “it is appalled that rather than the ugly development be discontinued following several efforts in that regard, the perpetrators, particularly the cult gangs seem to now have a field day carrying out their dastardly acts across the length and breadth of Ogoni, apparently spilling from neighbouring communities.
MOSOP said that “From our checks, no fewer than ten Ogoni communities have been put under siege, with scores of people killed and natives either being internally displaced or living in fear and at the mercy of the various cult groups who now move from one community to another killing and maiming people.
“We totally condemn these wanton killings going on in our communities and call on the various security agencies to redouble their efforts in stemming the killing surge and restoring peace and sanity in the area.
“It is utterly disheartening that communities that are not at war with their neighbours will have no peace, experience sudden attacks and slaughtering of their natives by invading armed gangs.
“We have continued to follow up this development with determined efforts to bring perpetrators to book and end this carnage and will not relent to avert further spread of the violence and senseless killings.
“It is agonizing seeing that dozens of people are murdered on daily basis in most communities in the State, particularly in Khana local government area of Ogoni.
“For instance, on April 4, 2019, four persons were reportedly killed in Baen and one person killed in Kwawa. On April 6, three persons were killed and one in critical condition in Eweh while three persons were killed in Sogho community. On April 7, seven persons were reportedly murdered in Kaani Babbe, one person killed in Dubulo on the 8th while on April 9, two persons killed in Kwawa, one in Bane and more than eight slaughtered in Bere community.
“While we commend the various efforts leading to the return of peace in Zaakpon community in Khana LGA and Bodo in Gokana LGA, MOSOP frowns at reported military invasion of Yeghe community on Monday April 8, about 6.30pm during which there was sporadic shooting forcing the natives to desert their homes, taking refuge in surrounding bushes and sister communities.
“According to report, the residence of Chief Solomon Ndigbara was raided while vehicles and valuable properties belonging to people of the area were damaged and looted by the armed uniform men, who came in military trucks during the operation.
“MOSOP again condemns this unexplained military incursion into Ogoni communities and calls on the appropriate authorities to investigate the cause and motive behind such operation.
“Speaking on the development, the MOSOP President, Comrade Legborsi Pyagbara, calls on the people of Ogoni to remain calm and not to take laws into their hands.
Comrade Pyagbara reassures the Ogoni people of MOSOP’s commitment to finding a lasting solution to the state of insecurity in the area.
“The MOSOP leader discloses that as part of efforts to bring the situation under control, the Movement has commenced her peace initiative in partnership with the paramount rulers, traditional rulers and key stakeholders in the various communities in Ogoni.
“He therefore, calls on all community Chiefs and Elders Councils to do everything legitimate in restoring peace and security in their domains while appealing to the Rivers State government to take the issues of security in the Ogoni area as priority”
