UEGWERE-BOUE/ BUA YEGHE CRISIS: KAGOTE MOVES TO SEAL PEACE DEAL

KAGOTE has stepped up efforts to resolve the lingering crisis between Uegwere-Boue and Bua Yeghe, with representatives of both communities nominated to help develop a framework for a lasting peacedeal.

The move followed a peace meeting convened by KAGOTE President, Chief Lesi Maol, on Friday, October 9, 2026, at the office of the Bori Area Commander of the Nigerian Police. The meeting brought together community representatives, security officials, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to advance negotiations towards resolving the dispute.

Speaking at the meeting, Maol urged both communities to embrace dialogue, compromise and mutual understanding, stressing that their differences should not be allowed to undermine the unity and shared cultural identity of the Ogoni people.

He called on the parties to move beyond previous discussions and focus on practical steps towards resolving the issues in contention, particularly those relating to land.

Maol noted that land would outlive the present generation and should be treated as a resource for development rather than a source of prolonged conflict. He urged both communities to make the necessary concessions to achieve peaceful coexistence.

The Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Chief Thomas Bariere Ph.D, reaffirmed his administration’s support for the reconciliation initiative, declaring that no price was too high to pay for peace.

Bariere said both communities had suffered losses of lives and property, urging their representatives to approach the negotiations with sincerity and open minds. He also appealed to them to take the message of peace back to their respective communities and encourage their people to support the mediation process.

The Bori Area Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police Frank Abba, expressed hope that the meeting would produce meaningful progress towards resolving the crisis and restoring peaceful relations between the communities.

Representing the Nigerian Bar Association, Bori Branch, Barr. Ken Saro Nwiyor expressed confidence in the mediation effort, urging both communities to heed the advice of their leaders and recognise dialogue as a means of resolving their differences.

Rear Admiral Nicholas Bakpo (Rtd.), KAGOTE’s Second Vice President representing Khana and Coordinator of the Ogoni Senior Military Retirees, called on both sides to uphold truth, fairness and open-mindedness throughout the reconciliation process.

Bakpo cautioned community elders against manipulating young people or drawing them into disputes, warning that such actions could have lasting consequences for future generations.

The Chairman of the Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty King Samuel L. A. Nnee (JP), also appealed to both communities to support KAGOTE’s intervention and embrace peaceful coexistence.

King Nnee highlighted the difficulties faced by elderly residents during crises, noting that insecurity could prevent them from accessing their farmlands and expose them to further hardship.

“Our older ones cannot survive when there are crises because they cannot go to their farmlands and they can’t run, so we must unite for the solution,” the traditional ruler said.

He urged both communities to work with KAGOTE towards restoring peaceful relations, adding that a successful reconciliation could promote unity and development across Ogoniland.

The Acting Paramount Ruler of Bua Yeghe, Chief Kwasu Moses Lebari, who represented Yeghe, expressed optimism about the initiative but stressed that its success would depend on the sincerity of both parties and their willingness to acknowledge the truth.

Similarly, Elder Loveday Imeah, representing Uegwere Boue, expressed confidence in the mediation process, emphasising that fairness, justice and proper consideration of the issues would be essential to achieving a lasting settlement.

As a key outcome of the meeting, representatives of both communities were nominated to work with the KAGOTE President, joint security forces and the organisation’s committee to develop a framework for resolving the crisis.

The representatives are also expected to brief their respective communities on the outcome of the meeting and encourage their people to support the peace process as consultations continue.