The Osokom Vice Chairperson of the Apex Boki socio-cultural organisation, ‘Ochibe Bokyi’ Prof Florence Obi, has condemned the gruesome murder of four Osokom youths by unknown gunmen in Okundi Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The tragic incident, which occurred at the midnight of Monday October 21, had thrown the entire Osokom and Boki in general into a state of mourning.
In view of this, the Vice Chairperson has called on the State Governor, Prof Ben Ayade to throw his weight behind the Commissioner of Police and other relevant security agencies to arrest the perpetrators of the crime as well as devise ways of curbing the wanton killings and waste of human resource in the once peaceful state.
She urged youths from the area to embrace peace and live in unity with one another for the smooth growth and development of the community and Boki in general. In tears, Prof Obi, begged the youths of Osokom who have given themselves up as agents of destruction to have a rethink and give peace a chance. She noted that in the years past Osokom youths were very protective of themselves and bemoaned the current situation where they have become their own worst enemies.
She enjoined the youths to engage themselves in meaningful ventures and contribute their quota for the development of Osokom.
She noted that no meaningful development can thrive in a hostile environment and lamented that Okundi which hitherto was seen as the urban centre of Boki has become a ghost of its former self. She called on the traditional leaders, men and women leaders, responsible youth leaders, and well meaning Osokom sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora to join hands and work towards the restoration of peace in Osokom and among the waring factions in particular.
It would be recalled that Prof. Obi played a key role in the Boki women sensitisation and advocacy rally in Okundi and her environs last year August 17th against cultism, drug abuse, thuggery, and intra communal wars in Boki.
The only Female Vice Chairperson and Executive member of Ochibe Boki weaps at the mental and psychological torture mothers and wives of the murdered “Okundi 4” have been subjected to. She prays God to forgive the murderers and grant eternal rest on the deceased.