A former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Emmanuel Deeyah, has condemned the rising wave of killings and insecurity in Ogoniland, Rivers State, calling for decisive action against those responsible for the violence.
Deeyah made the call during a condolence visit to the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Dr. Thomas Bariere, in Bori following the recent killing of the council’s former Chief Security Officer, Mr. Letam Kiine, and other reported attacks across Ogoniland.
Kiine was reportedly shot dead by unidentified gunmen along the Kenule Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic Road in Bori, the traditional headquarters of the Ogoni people.
Addressing the council chairman, councillors and staff of the local government, Deeyah expressed sympathy over the loss and reaffirmed his confidence in Bariere’s ability to restore peace and strengthen security in the area.
The former lawmaker, who also serves as Chairman of the Ogoni Trust Fund (OTF), commended the council chairman for efforts already made to improve security, noting that some communities previously affected by insecurity had become more accessible under the current administration.
He urged the council boss to remain resolute and ensure that those sponsoring criminal activities in the area are brought to justice.
“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,” Deeyah said.
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He stressed that peace in Bori was essential to the stability of the entire Ogoni region.
“If Bori is not at peace, Ogoni can never be at peace. He has done so much to bring peace to this local government. We support what he is doing, and he should continue without fear or favour,” he added.
Deeyah also warned those behind the violence to abandon criminal activities, expressing confidence that they would eventually be brought to justice.
Responding, Khana Local Government Chairman, Dr. Thomas Bariere, thanked Deeyah for the visit, describing it as a demonstration of support for his administration.
Bariere declared that the council would intensify efforts to tackle insecurity, alleging that some individuals behind the violence were the same people seeking positions within the local government’s security structure.
“It is time we say enough is enough to the killings in Khana Local Government Area. You cannot be a source of insecurity and at the same time seek to be part of those providing security,” he said.
The chairman assured residents that the council would deploy all available resources to identify those responsible for the killings and ensure they face the full weight of the law.
