As the spate of killings and other social vices in Ogoniland ascends, the Ogoni Youth Federation (OYF) has advised Ogoni leaders, especially the political class and those that have the means to give support to security agencies in order to enable them perform optimally in the battle against insecurity in the area.
President-General of OYF, Comrade Legborsi Yamaabana made the call during a walking visit to the Divisional Police Headquarters in Bori, Khana Local Government Area.
Yamaabana noted that two out of the three operational vehicles at the stations are grounded, stressing that with only one vehicle, there is no way the battle against insecurity in Ogoni can be won as the DPO, SP. Bako Angbashim use commercial bike (Okada) as a means of transportation most times due to non-availability of vehicle.
He recalled that recently, Ogoni leaders organise a grand reception for the Governor of Rivers State State, stressing that “if Ogoni leaders can come together and put in the same effort in supporting the fight against insecurity in Ogoniland by building more police stations, purchasing operational vehicles and logistics for security agencies, insecurity in Ogoniland will be a thing of the past”.
He added: “Whatever is responsible for this mayhem, it is about time it was nipped-in-the bud. It is the responsibility of all Ogoni sons and daughters, home and in the diaspora to rise to the occasion and exterminate this monster that is painting Ogoni in bad light. We must, as a race of people, restore our dignity and come up with ways to end this smoldering acrimony among ourselves. We do not have to wait complacently on government to put our house in order. With unbridled alacrity and patriotism, we can return the Ogoni Ethnic Nationality to the era where she was regarded as the home of peace, love and tranquility”.
He used the medium to applaud the exceptional feats recorded by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Bori Police Station, SP Bako Angbashim, his gallant team and other security personnel despite the meagre support.
The group urged Ogoni leaders not to “procrastinate in supporting security agencies and in suing for peace in Ogoniland. In same breath, we call on Ogoni youths who are involved in the orgy of killings and destruction of properties vis-a-vis their sponsors to down their weapons and seek ways to douse the embers of hostilities. Religious leaders in the land should also sue for peace and not lip service. The traditional institution, the first arm of government, before the emergence of democratic politics should exact their powers. It is a lamentable and an unfortunate happenstance that in this century, killings and destruction of monumental properties should go unchecked”.
