Ogoni Insecurity: 'Oil Resumption Not Top Concern,' Says OLI Leader

The single sharpest fact in one or two punchy sentences. Who did what, where, when, and why it matters. Not a summary of everything — the one thing that makes someone stop scrolling. A statement by the Ogoni Liberation Initiative (OLI) has highlighted the growing insecurity concerns in Ogoniland. Dr. Fabeke Douglas, leader of OLI, expressed deep sadness that while Ogoni people faced serious security challenges, some leaders were preoccupied with oil exploration. 'At a time when our people are facing serious security challenges, some are preoccupied with the pursuit of oil resumption, an issue that is not the most pressing concern of the Ogoni struggle at this moment,' he said. The Ogoni people have been facing security challenges for some time, with communities being overrun by external actors. Residents in some areas are afraid to access their farmlands due to security concerns. According to Dr. Douglas, communities like Ban-Ogoi Special Unit in Tai Local Government Area are particularly vulnerable, with residents facing restrictions on access to their farmlands. Dr. Douglas has repeatedly raised concerns about the security situation in Ogoniland but has faced hostility and insults from some Ogoni leaders. He accused these leaders of being sponsored to silence the truth and criticized their silence on the matter. Instead, he called on the chairmen of Tai and Eleme Local Government Areas to take decisive action to address the insecurity issues in their areas. The Ogoni people have suffered many injustices in the past, including the 1990s Ogoni Civil Disturbances led by Ken Saro-Wiwa. Their struggle for justice and environmental sustainability continues to this day. The current security concerns are a major setback for the Ogoni people, who are seeking a safe and prosperous environment.

Insecurity in Ogoniland is a serious issue that requires urgent attention from leaders. The Ogoni people deserve a safe and prosperous environment where they can live without fear of attack or oppression. It is essential that leaders work together to address these security concerns and promote development in the area.

'I therefore call on all Ogoni stakeholders to come together, establish the facts, and issue a united statement on the security situation in our communities. If we speak with one voice, we will defeat those working against us,' Dr. Fabeke Douglas said.

Dr. Douglas has expressed confidence in President of KAGOTE, Chief Lesi Maol, following a successful engagement on the security challenges. He hopes this will lead to concrete action to address the insecurity in Ogoniland.