The Pere of Tarakiri Kingdom, King (Engr) Richardford Orukarebai Koroye, has condoled with the bereaved families and peoples of Ofoni and Toru-Orua communities on “the unfortunate and regrettable events that led to the death of two sons of Tarakiri Kingdom.”

In a statement signed by the Palace Secretary, High Chief Dr Mrs Stella Peremoboere Ugolo, the Tarakiri Monarch urged youths “to shun criminality and violence and to avoid such unwarranted killings and destruction of property in his ancient and sacred Kingdom known for peace and greatness.”

The revered Royal Majesty called on the youths and people of Ofoni and Toru-Orua “to eschew any unwholesome behaviours such as robbery and violence so as to maintain the peaceful relationship their communities have enjoyed over the years as children of the great Tarakiriowei, whose descendants are settled in over 20 communities spread across five LGAs in Bayelsa State and two LGAs in Delta State.”

King Koroye condemned in strong terms the events that led to the unfortunate loss of lives and urged youths not to take laws into their hands as this is never a sustainable way of resolving conflicts.

The Pere’s words: “I received with shock, sadness and deep concern the news of the killings early this week of two young men, one from Ofoni and the other from Toru-Orua – both communities being part of my domain as children of Tarakiriowei.

“I send my heartfelt sympathy to the families of the bereaved even as I condole with the chiefs, elders and people of the two communities. As your King, I am working round the clock with my chiefs to ensure that the peace both communities have enjoyed all these years, is restored.

“The team of chiefs I sent to visit the Ofoni and Toru-Orua communities has made some progress with the task of resolving the issues and will persist until all parties involved are reconciled.”

King Koroye urged parents and community leaders to caution their wards and others “to always be of good behaviour and shun vices that would lead to such unwarranted and gruesome incidents that portray our kingdom in bad light.” He also charged the youths to expend their energies on productive ventures and not on criminality, robbery, cultism, drug addiction and thuggery; warning: “Otherwise, they would be made to face the full wrath of the law.”

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