Bariere Condemns Alleged Abduction of Yeghe Man, Mobilises Security Operatives for Rescue, Arrest of Culprits
The Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Thomas Bariere has strongly condemned the reported abduction of a middle-aged man from Yeghe Community in Gokana Local Government Area, allegedly carried out by suspected individuals from a neighbouring community in Khana LGA.
Speaking to journalists in reaction to the incident, Bariere described the development as unfortunate and unacceptable, particularly at a time when traditional rulers, community leaders, the KAGOTE President and other critical stakeholders across Ogoniland are making concerted efforts to restore lasting peace in the area.
The Chairman disclosed that his administration had mobilised the security agencies to ensure the immediate rescue of the victim and the arrest of those responsible for the alleged crime.
“Let me, for the records, very strongly condemn the abduction of a young man from Yeghe community. It is alleged that people from Uegwere carried out the act. We have mobilised the entire security apparatus in collaboration with the local government to ensure that those responsible are apprehended and that the young man is released. It is very unfortunate that at a time when the KAGOTE President and leaders of thought from across Ogoniland have intervened to promote peace, somebody would still engage in such an act. This is condemned in the strongest possible terms.”
Speaking further, Bariere called on the leadership and entire people of Uegwere community, which has allegedly been linked to the incident, to conduct a comprehensive search across the community to facilitate the immediate and safe release of the abducted man. He stressed that distancing oneself from the incident would not be sufficient, urging the community leadership to demonstrate its commitment to peace by taking proactive steps towards resolving the situation.
“We are saying that the people of Uegwere must do everything within their reach to ensure that the young man who was abducted is released. It is not enough to say that you are not aware. Nobody will support what is not correct. As Chairman of Khana Local Government Council and Chief Security Officer of this land, I am calling on the leadership and the entire people of Uegwere to undertake a thorough search across the length and breadth of their community to ensure that the abducted young man is released,” he stated.
The Khana LGA Chairman however appealed to residents of Yeghe community to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding, assuring them that security operatives would thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure that everyone found culpable is brought to justice. He noted that both communities had previously demonstrated cooperation towards the ongoing peace process, making the reported incident particularly disturbing.
“To the people of Yeghe community, we encourage them to continue to remain law-abiding, as they have been. We have seen the cooperation of both parties since the beginning of the peace process. It is therefore surprising that such an incident would occur. Whether from the Uegwere axis or elsewhere, the people of Uegwere must demonstrate that they have no hand in this abduction. That is why we are calling on all security operatives to carry out a thorough investigation to ensure that everyone behind this act is brought to book,” Dr. Bariere added.
The Chairman reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, maintaining law and order, and safeguarding the ongoing peace-building efforts across Khana and Ogoniland. He warned that the local government would not fold its arms and allow individuals, irrespective of their identity or affiliation, to undermine the collective efforts of traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders to restore lasting peace in the area.
Bariere therefore called for calm, cooperation and collective responsibility, stressing that the safe release of the victim and the arrest of those responsible remain the immediate priorities.
