The President of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, MOSOP, Comrade Legborsi Pyagbara, has stated that the resurgence of a chain of cult violence and destruction of lives and property in most Ogoni Communities is a deliberate and direct attack on the peace initiative and process by well-meaning groups and leaders of Ogoni.
The MOSOP President made this remark while responding to the latest report of deadly attacks on Opouko and Luumene communities in Nyokhana district of Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The two communities came under cult group’s attack on Sunday, August 18, 2019, during which at least eight persons were reportedly killed ( 6 in Opouko and 2 in Luumene) while the residence of the Khana Council Chairman, Hon. Lateh Loolooh and Palace of the Gbenemene Banghan, His Highness, Chief Suanu Baridam, were burned down.
Comrade Pyagbara strongly, in a statement by Sunny Zorvah, the Publicity Secretary, MOSOP, bemoaned the killings and destruction of property by those he said do not want peace in Ogoni, and are making efforts to put Ogoni under siege.
“It seems to me that there are an internal factor and interest in trying to put Ogoni in perpetual fear and siege. Don’t forget, people that want to destroy you will always use someone in your house. There is a possibility of some interest that we have not been able to uncover in this whole matter”, MOSOP President said.
The MOSOP President, who had earlier visited Nyokuru, Taabaa and Okwale communities to ascertain the level of destruction and sympathize with victims’ families and people of the Communities, again lamented over the razing of houses in his compound in Nyokuru community and those of Chief Nule of Taabaa and others in Okwale communities.
Comrade Pyagbara noted that time has come for Ogoni to look inward and say enough is enough, stressing that every right-thinking Ogoni man and woman must rise up against ‘this madness’ and tell those involved that they can not put Ogoni under siege.
He explained that the peace initiative that MOSOP and other groups started and which youths groups and key stakeholders were part of the previous meetings is still on course, but expressed disappointment why some persons are not committed to the peace agreement at the Saakpenwa meeting.
“That people have turned around to do what they are doing is a big surprise and a shame. I thought that we had a moratorium and that our brothers and fathers promised they were going into deepening the peace process that we kick-started at Saakpenwa. Ogoni doesn’t need this carnage after all we have laboured for”, he said.
On the Bomu- Lewe renewed clash, the MOSOP-President said he is surprised over the resurgence of conflict between the two communities in Gokana Local Government Area.
He recalled that at some time, that matter was resolved, as different groups and at the last count, some elders went to the two communities for peace.
Comrade Pyagbara stressed the need for government at all levels to redouble efforts and take the insecurity situation in Ogoni with much concern, adding that MOSOP, in collaboration with other groups, will ensure no lapses in the drive for the return of peace to pave way for development in the area.
He also appealed to all those involved to stop further actions and embrace peace.
