The Chairman of the Governing Board of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, Emmanuel Deeyah, has called for decisive action against those behind the growing insecurity in Ogoniland, Rivers State.

Deeyah made the call during a visit to the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Dr Thomas Bari’ere, at the council secretariat in Bori, the traditional headquarters of the Ogoni ethnic nationality.

The visit followed the recent killing of a former Chief Security Officer of the local government, Mr Letam Kiine, and other reported attacks in the area.

Kiine was reportedly ambushed by gunmen along the road leading to Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic and shot dead over a week ago.

Addressing the council chairman, councillors, and staff of the local government, Deeyah condoled with them over Kiine’s death and expressed confidence in Bari’ere’s ability to strengthen security across the council area.

He commended the council chairman for efforts to restore peace in parts of Khana that were previously plagued by violence.

According to him, there was a period when residents could not safely access some communities, including Gwara, because of persistent attacks, but Bari’ere had restored relative peace to the area.

Deeyah urged the council chairman to identify and ensure the arrest and prosecution of those sponsoring criminal activities in the local government.

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

“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,” he said.

He urged those perpetrating violence to abandon their criminal activities in their own interest, warning that the law would eventually catch up with them.

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

“When I arrived, I heard that someone had been killed, and I felt it was one death too many. Dr Bari’ere has done so much to restore peace to this local government.

“He also helped to restore peace in my community. I came personally to assure him that we are behind him, we support him, and we appreciate what he is doing. He should continue without fear or favour.

“This is his tenure as chairman, and the responsibility of ensuring peace rests with him.

“Anyone behind these crimes should know that the long arm of the law will eventually catch up with them. They should stop so that all of us can enjoy peace,” Deeyah added.

Responding, Bari’ere thanked Deeyah for the visit, describing it as a demonstration of support for his administration by the people and leadership of the area.

He said the council was determined to bring an end to insecurity in Khana, alleging that some of those fuelling violence were also seeking appointments as chief security officers of the local government.

“It is time to say enough is enough to the killings in Khana Local Government Area.

“You cannot be a source of insecurity and at the same time seek to be among those responsible for providing security. You cannot deceive all the people all the time.

“Our assurance to the people of Khana is that the killings have become too many. We will deploy the resources of the local government to fish out the culprits and ensure they face the full weight of the law,” he said.

The council chairman said the local government had activated its security architecture following the latest killing and was supporting security agencies to apprehend those responsible.

“I understand the security challenges confronting us because we have dealt with them before. We are familiar with the terrain, and we remain committed to the peace, safety and security of our people.

“Immediately we received information about this gruesome murder, we activated the local government’s security architecture.

“We are closing in on those behind these criminal acts. In the coming days, they will not only be exposed but will also be prosecuted,” Bari’ere added.