The President of KAGOTE, the apex Ogoni sociocultural organization, Chief Lesi Maol, has strongly condemned the unwarranted and reprehensible assassination attempt on the life of His Majesty, the Gbenemene of the Ancient Bangha Kingdom and Chairman of the Khana Traditional Rulers Council, HRM King (Dr.) Suanu Timothy Yormaadam Baridam, JP, by yet-to-be-identified gunmen in a community within Khana Local Government Area.
Chief Maol in a statement signed by him on Sunday 25, January 206, described the attack as a direct affront to the revered traditional institution of Ogoni, an assault on peace, and a calculated attempt to destabilize the unity and progress of the Ogoni people. He stated that such brazen violence against a highly respected monarch is unacceptable, provocative, and intolerable.
“KAGOTE will not fold its arms while criminal elements attempt to drag Ogoniland back into the dark days of violence, bloodshed, and destruction of lives and property,” Chief Maol declared. “No individual or group, regardless of status, influence, or affiliation, can intimidate our people or desecrate our traditional heritage through acts of terror.”
The KAGOTE President called on the Nigeria Police Force and all relevant security agencies to immediately launch a thorough and uncompromising investigation into the attack and ensure that the perpetrators, sponsors, and collaborators are identified and brought to justice without regard to class, political leaning, or group affiliation. He emphasized that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.
Chief Maol further vowed that KAGOTE would provide full cooperation and support to security agencies in unraveling those behind the planning, sponsorship, and execution of the heinous act. He also announced that a reward would be made available to any individual with credible and useful information that leads to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
In a stern warning, the KAGOTE President cautioned community leaders, chiefs, and stakeholders across Ogoniland against shielding or harboring any criminal elements within their domains. “Any person or group found protecting or concealing those involved in this attack will be exposed and made to face the full weight of the law. Ogoniland will not be a sanctuary for criminals,” he warned.
Chief Maol reaffirmed KAGOTE’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding peace, unity, and the sanctity of traditional institutions in Ogoni. He urged all Ogoni sons and daughters to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding while allowing security agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities.
KAGOTE stands firmly with His Majesty, HRM King (Dr.) Suanu Timothy Yormaadam Baridam, JP, and the entire Bangha Kingdom at this critical moment and reiterates its resolve to defend Ogoni land against any form of violence or intimidation.
