The Yoruba ethnic militia, Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) has threatened to attack Fulani herdsmen in Yoruba land, especially Ondo State if they don’t stop threatening the peace of Yoruba land and its people.
Specifically, the OPC lamented the incessant attack on the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae by suspected Fulani herdsmen, saying its members are ready for a show down with the Fulani herdsmen should the situation persists.
Some suspected Fulani hersmen had last Friday invaded Falae’s farm located in Ilado via Akure and allegedly killed one of the security guards attached to the farm.
Incidentally, the security guard allegedly killed by the Fulani herdsmen on Falae’s farm identified as Ayodele Ige was the Co-ordinator of the OPC in Akure North Local Government Area of the state.
Apparently worried by the development, the OPC warned Fulani herdsmen in Ondo State and in Yoruba land in general to desist from attacking their kismen or face their wrath.
The OPC in a statement issued by its state co-ordinator, Mr Pius Ogunsanya said “the heartless murder of Ayodele Ige would not be allowed to be swept under the carpet like many several other innocent people killed across the country by Fulani herdsmen.”
The statement reads in part “It is particularly worrisome that these people have continued their killings across the country without any major condemnation by the Federal Government. It is even more worrisome that the innocent victims were brutally murdered for daring to challenge the Fulani herdsmen for grazing and destroying their farmlands.”
“It is strange that the security agencies have found it difficult to put an end to these wicked acts by Fulani herdsmen despite repeated cases of killings and arson against them from all over the country.”
“The story is the same from Enugu to Edo, Akokoland to Oke Ogun and other parts of the country.
“Information available to us was that Ige was abducted by the Fulani herdsmen after many attempts their efforts to enter into Chief Falae’s farm were repelled by our members who have been watching over the farm after the abduction of Chief Falae by these same people.”
“The attack by the Fulani herdsmen on the property of a Yoruba leader cannot be allowed to continue,” “For us, the killing of one of us is an attack on all of us, much more when that person is a leader. Let it be known that we have taken this path of peace, not because of cowardice or because of the fear of these people. We want a peaceful, equitable and united Nigeria, which is the pillar of our struggle. But we can no longer bear it that the blood and sweat of our people are continually used to appease Nigeria.” (Daily Sun)
