Some Ogoni youths have called on Governor Sir Siminialayi Fubara to tackle security challenges in Bodo community in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers state.
The spokesperson of the youths, Joseph Dinebari, who made the appeal while speaking with newsmen in Port Harcourt on Thursday, said that the intervention of the governor is required to save Bodo community from the activities of armed gangs who have allegedly chased many youths out of the community after they took a stand against gang violence and signed an agreement under the supervision of the local government authority in August last year.
“They have been chased away since the first, second and third week of August 2023 by gunmen who invaded the community with AK-47 rifles.
“The same set that was behind the killing of the late Bako Angbanshin in Ahoada. They came to Bodo and began door-to-door search with the intent of killing us.
“They succeeded in killing four people from August 24 to September 4, 2023. Those shot dead have not been buried till date.”
Furthermore, the youths requested for an audience with the governor, stating that this would provide an opportunity to discuss the challenges facing them.
They also urged the governor to set up a panel of inquiry composed of people who are neutral to look into the matter .
“We call on the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, to set up a panel of inquiry composed of people who are neutral with high level integrity and who have the interest of the people at heart.
“That of truth, justice and fairness, not a compromised group of people. We want to talk with our father, the governor, as the chief security officer of the state.
“We believe he has brought a new spirit and style of governance to the state. Please, over 100 of us want to seek an audience with you or delegate people to speak with us”.
When contacted, spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said the Divisional Police Officer of the area said calm had returned.
She stated, “I can’t say if they have foes in the area but from what I was told, people are going about their normal activities now. There is calm.”
