Khana Stakeholders Condemn Insecurity, Move To Strengthen Community Safety

Stakeholders in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State have strongly condemned the rising wave of insecurity in the area, describing the spate of killings and attacks as unacceptable and a threat to peace and development.

This formed part of resolutions reached at an extraordinary stakeholders’ meeting held on June 9, 2026, at the Suanu Finimale Nwika Conference Hall, Khana Local Government Council Secretariat, Bori.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the leaders decried the recent attack on the life of His Majesty, King Dr. Suanu Baridam, Gbenemene/Kasimene of the Ancient Bangha Kingdom and Chairman of the Khana Area Council of Traditional Rulers, describing it as an affront to traditional authority and the collective identity of the Khana people.

The stakeholders called for a unified approach to tackling insecurity, urging security agencies to intensify efforts in tracking down criminal elements, even beyond the boundaries of Khana. They appealed to the Commissioner of Police, the State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security commanders to grant operatives the authority to pursue criminals wherever they may be hiding, stressing that crime should not be limited by jurisdiction.

The communiqué also emphasised the need for traditional rulers and community leaders to utilise internal conflict-resolution mechanisms in addressing local disputes, while engaging formal security and legal institutions only when necessary.

On land-related issues, the stakeholders warned against encroachment and illegal sale of government-owned lands, noting that violators would be prosecuted. They further resolved that individuals or groups seeking to acquire large portions of land must obtain proper approval from both local government and community authorities to prevent disputes and breakdown of law and order.

In a significant development, the stakeholders approved the use of a designated portion of land near the borrow pit, initially earmarked for a fruit and vegetable market as a cemetery for Khana (Bori), citing the urgent need for such a facility.

Addressing inter-community tensions, the stakeholders called for immediate steps to resolve the lingering land dispute between Uegwere Bo-ue and Yeghe communities. Proposed measures include the construction of a permanent security post and the planting of economic trees along the disputed boundary. They also urged the Gokana Local Government leadership to intervene in resolving the conflict.

The communiqué highlighted concerns over criminal elements allegedly being harboured within communities, warning that any chief or community leader found aiding or sheltering such individuals would face arrest and prosecution.

Youth engagement also featured prominently, as stakeholders cautioned young people against the misuse of social media to insult or defame others, urging adherence to laws regulating online conduct.

Reaffirming ongoing local security initiatives, the meeting noted that the “Operation Guard Your Community Farmlands/Forest” remains in force and encouraged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.

The stakeholders also backed communities such as Okwale, Sogho, Loore, and Luebe in resisting any form of land invasion or unauthorised occupation, insisting on due consultation and approval processes.

On transportation security, the meeting called for the profiling and verification of all commercial motorcycle (Okada) operators within the area. Pending the completion of this process, the existing restriction on Okada operations between 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. will remain in effect.

The stakeholders further rejected a purported land acquisition involving one Serekara Barikpoa, noting that the land in question had already been acquired by the Rivers State Government for a banana plantation project.

The meeting was attended by key political leaders, traditional rulers, security agencies, religious leaders, youth representatives, and community stakeholders, including the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Thomas Bariere, King Dr. Suanu Baridam; members of the Rivers State House of Assembly representing Khana Constituencies I and II; as well as several former council chairmen and heads of security formations in the area.

The stakeholders reaffirmed their collective commitment to peace, security, and sustainable development in Khana, calling on all residents to support ongoing efforts to restore order and protect lives and property.