THE Chairman of South West Governors Forum, Rotimi Akeredolu has condemned the killings in lgangan, lbarapa, Oyo state.
Akeredolu in a statement issued on Sunday in Akure, described the killings as horrendous, callous, and highly provocative.
The statement was titled, “lgangan provocative onslaught, one too many reads.”
He said, “All well-meaning Nigerians must condemn, in the strongest term possible, this latest assault on decency and communal harmony.
“We have just received with rude shock premeditated attack on our people at Igangan, Ibarapa, Oyo State, in the early hours of today.
“This cowardly onslaught on a peaceful community has occasioned loss of lives and property on a large scale.
“It is horrendous, callous, and highly provocative.
“All well-meaning Nigerians must condemn, in the strongest term possible, this latest assault on decency and communal harmony.
“While we will encourage the security agencies to get to the root of this latest act of provocation, we have directed the Commanders of the South West Security Network, Amotekun, to convoke a joint security meeting of all Commanders in the South West with a view to commencing joint operations in the region immediately.
“We must reiterate the fact that certain elements are bent on causing friction among the people of this country with the sole aim of achieving a pernicious end.
“They will stop at nothing until their set goal is realized. It is, therefore, incumbent on all lovers of peace and freedom to rise against this current regression into savagery.
“We on our part are resolved to defend our people, their property, and all legitimate means of livelihood against both internal and external aggression.
“On this, there will be no compromise.
“We call on our people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement in their communities.
“In addition, they must be united in the task of defending our lives and properties. We cannot afford to fail.”
In his reactions, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, warned Fulani herdsmen and bandits to stay away from thSouthwest or be ready to face stiff resistance.
He said, “In a situation like this, you rise and defend yourself.
“Where were the police when the bandits started killing our people in Igangan today?
“Even the palace of Asigangan of Igangan land,Oba Adewuyi Olaoye, was not spared and the monarch, according to reports had been whisked away by the bandits.
“Three days ago,the Director-General of Oyo state Southwest Security Network Amotekun,Gen. Kunle Togun(Retd) raised the alarm that herdsmen had invaded the southwest.
“I corroborated his statements and called for urgent surveillance across the Southwest. Now with the recent onslaught on Igangan people, it is evident that the Fulani herdsmen are on a predetermined mission to kill, maim and decimate the Southwest.
“This is one killing too many, I will not fold my arms seeing the blood of innocent people being shed like it is in Igangan.
“The North had declared war on the Southwest, we will never be silent or compromise on the homicide going on in the southwest.
“I want to charge all the governors in the Southwest,as well as the traditional rulers to rise to this occasion.
“Those killed in Igangan town have their families and friends, there is blood flowing in their veins, and in a moment their lives were cut short by killer herdsmen and bandits in their home”.
