Nov 28, 2006

Ogoni: MOSOP Decries Killings in Rivers


Reacting to the violence during the last Peoples Democratic Party primaries, the MOSOP urged youths in the region to shun monetary inducement from politicians to indulge in political violence.

Below is an article published on the Vanguard Website:

Port Harcourt—Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People has urged youths in the region to shun monetary inducement from politicians to indulge in political violence.
Reacting to  killings that characterised the PDP House of Assembly primaries in some parts of Rivers State the body suggested that security operatives should thoroughly investigate these crimes and ensure that those behind it were brought to book.
In a statement MOSOP decried the violence and killings witnessed during the last Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries.

It lamented that at Eteo community in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, two persons were killed as a result of clashes between rival, armed gangs loyal to politicians who were contesting the PDP primary election while properties of opposing supporters of the contestants were vandalized at Agboncha and Ogale communities in the same Eleme LGA. Mr. Paul Apii, a youth leader from Baranyonwa Dere was shot and killed by Mobile Police at Kpor, Headquarters of Gokana Local Government Area and venue of the PDP primaries in Gokana LGA.
The apex organisation of the Ogoni people, MOSOP (Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People), has today expressed deep concern at the escalating wave of violence in the country especially in parts of the Niger Delta.”

The Ogoni group also rose against the recent killing by  suspected cultists at the office of an NGO, Academic  Associates Peace works, run by Dr Judith Asuni, an American in Port Harcourt .   “Similarly, the Movement condemns in strong terms the armed invasion of the Port Harcourt offices of the Academic Associates Peace Works (AAPW) occasioning the cold-blooded murder of two persons including Mr. Bertram Ogbonna, a staff of AAPW until his death whilst several others sustained severe injuries.”