Sequel to the ongoing military operations in some Ogoni communities by men of the Joint Military Task Force, which has led to the killing of some innocent lives and property lost, the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, MOSOP, has called on the authorities and men of the Joint Military Task Force to exercise caution in carrying out their operations.
The Ogoni body said that whilst it does not support any act of criminality by anyone or community, it also expects the “security agencies on legitimate assignments in our communities to conduct themselves in a manner that does not cause avoidable deeper crisis or result in killings of innocent persons and destruction of property in the area in the cause of fighting crime or going after crime suspect(s).
“MOSOP has strongly condemned the reported killing of military personnel on duty along Tai- Gokana axis and the invasion of Ogoni communities, leading to the death of innocent persons.
Heavily armed military men on Sunday, June 16, 2019, raided houses, arrested natives and shot sporadically in Gio community in Tai Local Government Area(in Ogoniland).
On the same day, about six trucks of military men reportedly invaded Kegbara-Dere Community in Gokana LGA, assaulted and arrested Christian worshippers and residents, disrupting church service.
During the military onslaught, some chiefs and elders of the community were arrested and detained.
A similar incident also took place in B.Dere Community during which about two persons were reportedly shot dead.
MOSOP said it believes not all villagers are members of any criminal gangs or involved in criminal activities.
“So, it will be unacceptable that innocent persons are not spared but made to pay the price for what they are not culpable.
“We sympathize with families of those who lost their lives innocently and appeal to all natives, particularly, the Paramount Rulers and leaders of the communities to ensure peace and order in their domain, by cooperating with the security agencies in the quest to purge the area of criminals and unwholesome activities, making it safe for living and genuine businesses to thrive in our communities.
“MOSOP also expresses her condolences to the military authorities and families of the gallant security personnel reportedly killed in the area and calls on relevant agencies to carry out thorough professional investigation to unravel all those involved in such dastardly act and prosecute them accordingly.
“MOSOP, therefore, assures all stakeholders in the peace and security process in Ogoniland of her steadfast commitment and unswayed support for all genuine efforts for a safe and secured Ogoni and Rivers State at large.
MOSOP also said it supports any well-intended and professionally executed military actions aimed at making “our communities safe and peaceful but reiterate our appeal to all arms of the security agencies to respect the sanctity and preciosity of innocent lives of citizens while executing the orders of their respective authorities, MOSOP President, Legborsi Pyagbara emphasized.
