The Ogoni Liberation Initiative (OLI) has called on the Khana Local Government Council and security agencies to urgently strengthen security measures in Bori, the traditional headquarters of the Ogoni Nation.
The group leader, Dr. Fabeke Douglas, made the call while condemning recent attacks in the town, especially the gruesome murder of a petty trader in Bori, and urged authorities to take decisive steps to protect lives and property.
Fabeke described Bori as the cultural and political heart of the Ogoni people, stressing that residents, traders, students and workers should be able to carry out their daily activities without fear.
He said he was particularly concerned about the safety of petty traders, including women from Kaani Community who sell bananas along the roadside in Bori.
According to him, he often patronises the deceased and other petty traders whenever he visits Bori and has, on occasions, supported them financially.
“I know personally this lady from Kaani Community who sell bananas along the roadside in Bori. Anytime I visit Bori, I stop to buy from them. They are always in groups, hardworking and eager to earn a living. On occasions when I cannot buy from everyone, I share money with them as support,” he said.
Fabeke said the safety of ordinary citizens was a key indicator of good governance, adding that residents should be able to pursue their livelihoods freely.
While acknowledging the efforts of the local government council so far, he said security should be treated as a collective responsibility involving government agencies and residents.
He, however, urged security agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attacks in Bori and prosecute them in accordance with the law.
“I totally condemn these barbaric attacks. This act is unacceptable and must not be allowed to continue,” Fabeke said.
He urged the government to take urgent measures to ensure that Bori remains safe for traders, students, workers and other residents.
