By Egufe Yafugborhi

PORT HARCOURT— COALITION of civil society groups in Rivers State, yesterday, condemned the barbaric killings in the state, particularly in the Orashi area, flaying leaders in the state’s ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as sponsors of the criminals.

The group, during a visit to Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of the state, lamented how thousands of people have been killed in Orashi region of the state comprising Orashi Abua-Odual, Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas.

Emeni Ebeh, coordinator of the coalition, also accused security operatives of compromise in the killings, demanding probe of the role of security agents in the reign of terror in that part of the state.

Meanwhile, the state  Commissioner for Information and Communication, Emma Okah, in his reaction, described the group as one without vision, but with a mission to destroy.

Okah said: “If they say the state government and the PDP are those sponsoring the killings, they should come up with evidence. Why did it take them this long, since 2014, to speak?”

Also, the state PDP Publicity Secretary, Samuel Nwanosike, in his reaction, said: “The state PDP Chairman, Felix Obuah, as a God-fearing man, has investments in ONELGA and will not do anything that will set the area on fire”

He challenged the group accusing the state PDP of sponsoring criminal gangs to show evidence or be ready to face court action.

Ebeh, leader of the group had said, “The genocide and terrorism in Orashi region is highly condemnable, hence the perpetrators and sponsors should be brought to book. There is growing suspicion that security agencies and operatives in the Orashi region have been compromised, hence their roles should be investigated.

“We call on the Federal Government, international community, donor agencies and other humanitarian agencies to urgently attend to the needs of the victims and displaced people of Orashi region,” he added.