HYPREP seeks end to killings, backs Ogoni security efforts

Emmanuel Deeyah, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), has demanded decisive action against the escalating insecurity plaguing Ogoniland in Rivers State. His remarks came during a visit to Dr. Thomas Bari’ere, the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, at the council secretariat in Bori.

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All these things are distractions. Whoever is causing insecurity in the local government is wasting his or her time.

The visit and Deeyah's strong statement were prompted by the recent ambush and killing of Mr. Letam Kiine, a former Chief Security Officer of the local government, along with other reported attacks in the area. Deeyah extended condolences for Kiine's death and expressed confidence in Bari’ere's leadership to enhance security across the council.

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We will support you. Stand your ground and do not be afraid of anybody. We will surely chase those causing insecurity away. Day and night cannot exist together.

Deeyah commended Bari’ere for his efforts in restoring relative peace to communities like Gwara, which had previously suffered from persistent violence. He urged the council chairman to identify and ensure the arrest and prosecution of individuals and groups sponsoring criminal activities. "All these things are distractions. Whoever is causing insecurity in the local government is wasting his or her time," Deeyah stated, pledging HYPREP's full support. He stressed that peace in Bori, the traditional headquarters of Ogoni, is crucial for the entire region's stability. Deeyah warned perpetrators that the law would eventually catch up with them, urging them to cease their activities for the collective peace and well-being of the community.

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This is home for me, and it is also the traditional headquarters of Ogoni. If Bori is not peaceful, Ogoni cannot be at peace.