From Segun Amure, (The New Diplomat’s Abuja Bureau)
The residents of Ibarapa North Local Government of Oyo State on Friday called on Governor Seyi Makinde to restore peace and normalcy to their communities following the recent quit notice issued to herders to vacate the area.
In a statement, the Convener of Igangan Development Advocates, Oladiran Oladokun said, “Some youths are already gathering in Igangan. There is tension but I learnt that Operation Burst security personnel have dispersed some of them”.
Similarly, the Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Ibrahim Jiji called on Governor Makinde to immediately restore peace.
“The Seriki of the community; son of Seriki Sasa just told me that he could not go to the scene but he learnt that their houses have been burnt. Many of our women have dispersed and they are looking for their children. They are living in fear now.” he said.
The Chairman Miyetti Allah, Jiji further added that, “We want peace and not trouble like this. Governor Makinde should please secure our people. Our people are now homeless as their places of abode have been burnt down. The governor should please rescue us”.
O’odua Activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Igboho, had defied Oyo State Governor, Makinde on Friday as he stormed Igangan, in Ibarapa North local government of Oyo state following the end of 7-day ultimatum he had earlier issued for the evacuation of all bandits in the area.
“I’m assuring you that no one will henceforth kidnap or unleash terror on you. This is your father’s land. We are not fighting anyone who doesn’t disturb our peace. We are law-abiding provided you don’t trample on our rights to live peacefully in our land. It’s not only Ibarapa we will liberate, we will visit other Yoruba States where the visitors are terrorising them. We say no to kidnapping, rape and killing of our people.” Igboho, said.
However, reacting to the development, Makinde while receiving the Oyo State newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Ngozi Onadeko condemned the chaos at the Ibarapa axis of the state.
He said, “This is a period where false information is almost at its highest, ethnic tension almost at its highest. You have your job cut out for you. We’ll give you maximum support. “I’m sure you have heard of things happening in Ibarapa axis of the state.”
“For people stoking ethnic tension, they are criminals and they should be arrested and treated as common criminals.”
“For this administration, a major pillar for us is security because we know that all the good things we want to do economically won’t be possible in an atmosphere of chaos, insecurity. When people say things that are not lawful, that are not within the spirit of the Nigerian constitution, it is not acceptable here and they cannot hide under being people protecting Yoruba interest to perpetrate chaos in this state,” Makinde said.
