The son of Chief Albert Badey, one of the four prominent Ogoni indigenes killed 22 years ago, Mr Suage Badey, has expressed regret that both the people of the area and government had failed to recognise the role played by the “Ogoni Four” decades after they were brutally murdered while searching for peace.
He recalled that on May 21, 1994, Badey, who was former Secretary to Rivers Government; Chief Edward Kobani, Chief Theophilus Kobani, and Chief Samuel Orage were killed at Giokoo, Gokana Local Government Area
The young Badey, former chairman of defunct Action Congress in Rivers, spoke to journalists in Port Harcourt on issues surrounding the death of the “Ogoni Four” and violence in Ogoniland.
“On the day they were killed, they were suing for peace, reconcile all parties and adopt peaceful approach, but unfortunately, the process consumed their lives,” he said.
He expressed regret that while the four sacrificed their live while searching for peace, a section of the people still referred to them as “vultures”.
He said there was need to put the records right and encourage the people to embrace peace instead of violence.
“Ogoni needs to come back to the drawing board and ensure peace. We need to adopt peaceful approach. Let this day be a memorable one for us to embrace peace,” he said.
Source: ThisDay
