The Khana Local Government Council has dismissed allegations linking its Executive Chairman, Dr. Thomas Bariere Ariar, and the Gbenemene of Bangha Kingdom, King Dr. Suanu Baridam, to insecurity in the area, describing the claims as false, malicious, and intended to tarnish their reputations.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Press and Public Communications, Barry Neemana, the council reacted to accusations allegedly made by a group identifying itself as the “Concerned Youths of Ogoni,” which claimed that the chairman and traditional ruler were sponsoring criminal activities in Khana Local Government Area.
The council maintained that the allegations were entirely unfounded and part of a deliberate campaign to mislead the public.
“We wish to unequivocally state that these allegations are false, malicious, unfounded, and deliberately crafted to mislead the public while tarnishing the hard-earned reputation of respected leaders who have consistently demonstrated unwavering commitment to the peace, security, and development of Khana Local Government Area,” the statement said.
According to the council, there has been a sustained effort by certain individuals and groups to spread misinformation against the local government chairman, whom it described as a committed advocate for peace and security.
The statement noted that Dr. Ariar’s traditional title, Mene Fiinor I of Khana, reflects his contributions toward combating criminality, promoting peace, and addressing security challenges in the area.
The council further denied claims that any criminal gang known as “ASSASSINS” or any other group was operating under the sponsorship or protection of the chairman.
“For the avoidance of doubt, there is no known group operating in Khana under the name ‘ASSASSINS’ or any other criminal gang enjoying the sponsorship, protection, or patronage of the Local Government Chairman. The claim that such a group exists and is allegedly on the Chairman’s payroll is entirely fictitious,” the statement added.
It stressed that the administration maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward criminality, cultism, violence, and other activities capable of threatening peace and stability within the local government area.
The council also alleged that some individuals were attempting to create parallel structures and sow discord in a bid to destabilize Khana and undermine the security gains already achieved.
Expressing concern over the contents of the publication, the council said the authors appeared to possess unusual knowledge of the recent assassination attempt on King Suanu Baridam, raising questions about the source of their information.
The council consequently called on security agencies to investigate the individuals behind the so-called “Concerned Youths of Ogoni,” identify those responsible for the publication, and determine whether they have links to criminal activities.
“The Khana Local Government Council will not fold its arms and watch any individual or group undermine the peace and stability that the government, traditional institutions, and security agencies have worked tirelessly to maintain,” the statement said.
The council urged residents to disregard the allegations, remain law-abiding, and continue supporting efforts aimed at sustaining peace, security, and development across Khana Local Government Area.
