The Rivers Peace Initiative, RPI, has condemned the brutal killings of two young men in Bori and warned that Khana Local Government Area has suffered enough.
RPI in a statement by its Convener, Mr. Obinna Ebogidi extended condolences to the people of Khana, the local government chairman, Chief Thomas Bariere and the families of Mr Philip Barikui and Mr Barikpe Barimamma who were killed in circumstances described as tragic and gruesome.
“The death of any citizen is painful. The killing of young men leaves families and an entire generation carrying consequences they did not choose,” the group said.
According to the statement, the latest deaths come amid a string of security troubles in Khana, including the reported killing of a former chief security officer of the local government and other violent incidents that have unsettled communities.
RPI praised Khana LGA chairman’s engagement with the bereaved families and his demand for a thorough investigation.
It urged security agencies to match that urgency, boost intelligence gathering and community engagement, and ensure anyone responsible faces justice through due process.
The group insisted security problems stretches far beyond Khana in Rivers State as cult-related violence, communal disputes and political rivalry continue to create flashpoints where tension can explode into bloodshed.
“We must not wait for another killing before we begin asking what could have been done to prevent it,” RPI stated.
The statement called for a renewed, proactive peace effort involving government, security forces, traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, religious bodies and ordinary citizens.
The statement urged Citizens to cooperate with legitimate security authorities, refuse to harbour criminals, and reject cultism and violence.
“At the same time, they must resist rumours, inflammatory messages and the urge to take the law into their own hands.With another critical political season approaching, the group warned that political competition must never turn communities against one another. Those with influence over young people and supporters should promote restraint, not retaliation. No political ambition, communal disagreement or criminal interest is worth the life of a Rivers citizen,” RPI declared.
“Khana has suffered enough. Rivers State has suffered enough.”The group called on the state government, security agencies, local authorities, traditional leaders, political actors and citizens to make the prevention of violence a shared priority, intervening before conflict becomes violence, and before violence becomes another cycle of killing.
