The Ogoni Liberation Initiative (OLI) has expressed concern over the worsening security situation in parts of Ogoniland, urging political leaders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to prioritise the protection of lives and property over discussions on the resumption of oil production.
Reacting to the development, Dr. Fabeke Douglas, the group’s leader, said it was regrettable that attention was being focused on the resumption of oil production while communities were facing growing insecurity.
Douglas alleged that some communities, particularly Ban-Ogoi Special Unit in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State, had been infiltrated by external actors, leaving residents unable to access their farmlands without fear.
He claimed that repeated warnings about the situation had been ignored, adding that those who raised concerns were often subjected to attacks and intimidation.
The OLI leader also criticised what he described as the silence of the chairmen of Tai and Eleme Local Government Areas over the alleged security challenges, warning that the situation could spread if urgent action were not taken.
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He stressed that the primary responsibility of local government authorities was to safeguard lives and property, especially amid reports of rising insecurity and killings.
On the issue of oil resumption in Ogoni, Douglas maintained that there were documented boundary records that provided a clear legal and historical basis against any form of encroachment or sabotage.
He called on Ogoni stakeholders to unite, verify the facts surrounding the reported security concerns and issue a common position on the matter.
Douglas further disclosed that he had earlier written to first- and second-class traditional rulers and community leaders in Ogoni on the issue but had received a response only from His Royal Majesty, King Suanu Baridam, whom he commended.
He also expressed confidence in the leadership of KAGOTE President, Chief Lesi Maol, expressing hope that ongoing engagements on the security concerns would lead to concrete action.
The group pledged to continue drawing public attention to developments affecting communities across Ogoniland.
