Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | Weng Global
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has thrown its weight behind renewed efforts to tackle insecurity and end the wave of killings in Ogoniland, declaring that lasting peace remains essential to the success of environmental restoration and sustainable development in the region.
The commitment was reaffirmed during a high-level security and stakeholders’ meeting involving officials of HYPREP, traditional rulers, youth leaders, community representatives, security agencies and the leadership of Khana Local Government Area in Rivers State.
The meeting came amid growing concerns over recurring incidents of violence in parts of Ogoniland, particularly in Khana, where residents have continued to call for stronger security measures to protect lives and property.
Peace before development
HYPREP Project Coordinator, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, stressed that no meaningful development can thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity.
He said the success of the ongoing Ogoni clean-up programme depends on peaceful communities where contractors, environmental experts and residents can work without fear.
According to him, HYPREP’s mandate extends beyond environmental remediation to creating conditions that support sustainable livelihoods, social stability and economic growth.
Zabbey noted that violence not only claims lives but also delays critical projects designed to improve the welfare of the Ogoni people.
He urged every stakeholder to reject violence and embrace dialogue as the preferred means of resolving disputes.
Khana council pledges support
Leaders of Khana Local Government pledged to work closely with HYPREP, security agencies and community stakeholders to strengthen local security architecture.
They emphasized the need for intelligence gathering, stronger collaboration with traditional institutions and greater youth engagement to prevent criminal activities.
The council leadership also called on community members to provide useful information that could help security agencies identify and prosecute those responsible for violent crimes.
Officials said restoring peace would encourage investment, improve business activities and allow ongoing federal projects to progress without interruption.
Community leaders condemn killings
Traditional rulers and community leaders strongly condemned the recent killings across parts of Ogoniland, describing them as unacceptable and contrary to the values of the Ogoni people.
They appealed to youths to resist being recruited into cult groups, criminal gangs or politically motivated violence.
The monarchs further promised to strengthen community-based conflict resolution mechanisms while working with security agencies to identify criminal elements hiding within their communities.
They stressed that protecting lives must remain everyone’s responsibility.
Security agencies assure residents
Representatives of security agencies assured residents that operations against criminal groups would continue.
They urged members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement officers by reporting suspicious movements and avoiding mob justice.
The agencies warned that individuals involved in killings, kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes would face prosecution in accordance with the law.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining law and order across Ogoniland.
HYPREP links peace to environmental restoration
Officials explained that insecurity poses a major threat to the implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) recommendations guiding the Ogoni clean-up.
Several remediation sites, water projects, health facilities and livelihood programmes require a peaceful environment to achieve their objectives.
HYPREP noted that billions of naira have already been invested in environmental restoration, potable water projects, healthcare infrastructure, education support, skills acquisition and livelihood programmes across Ogoniland.
The agency warned that continued violence could discourage contractors, delay project delivery and undermine years of progress.
Building trust with communities
Beyond environmental remediation, HYPREP has continued to expand stakeholder engagement across the four Ogoni local government areas—Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme.
The project has consistently engaged traditional rulers, youth organisations, women groups and civil society organisations to encourage dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
Recent initiatives have also focused on alternative dispute resolution, community participation and peacebuilding as part of efforts to sustain the clean-up programme.
Officials believe stronger community ownership of projects and increased collaboration among stakeholders will help reduce tensions and improve project sustainability.
Federal Government’s commitment
The Federal Government has repeatedly described the Ogoni clean-up as one of Nigeria’s most significant environmental restoration programmes.
Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to fully implementing the UNEP recommendations while improving access to clean water, healthcare, education, employment opportunities and environmental sustainability across Ogoniland.
HYPREP maintained that achieving these goals requires peace, unity and collective responsibility from all stakeholders.
Looking ahead
Participants at the meeting agreed to strengthen collaboration between local authorities, security agencies and community leaders to address emerging security threats before they escalate.
They also called for continuous engagement with youths, increased public awareness campaigns and sustained intelligence sharing to prevent further violence.
For many residents, the renewed commitment offers hope that Ogoniland can move beyond insecurity and focus on rebuilding communities, restoring the environment and creating lasting economic opportunities.
As HYPREP continues implementing the Ogoni clean-up programme, stakeholders insist that peace will remain the foundation upon which environmental restoration and sustainable development can succeed.
Sources:
- HYPREP
- Federal Ministry of Environment
- UNEP Ogoni Clean-up Programme
- Khana Local Government stakeholders’ meeting
