Your Excellency,
As the news of the unfortunate calamity that befell the people of Igangan Community of Ibarapaland made its way to the media early this morning, a lot of gory videos and pictures of the massacre have gone viral on social media further confirming the fear of the people as regards the current state of security and alleged invasion of the State by Fulani herdsmen.
May I remind you of the many dramas that ensued a couple of months ago in Ibarapaland when a prominent son was murdered in cold blood by suspected fulani herdsmen, how the disappointing lukewarm attitude of then government when it happened led to the glorification of a self-acclaimed warrior who took advantage of your ‘lackadaisical’ attitude to amass undue popularity.
Late last night, the fulani herdsmen struck again leaving behind a trail of blood. Many of your citizens were murdered in cold blood and lots of properties destroyed. So sad! Gratefully, you were proactive this time around. I came across your tweet this morning assuring us of an immediate investigation into the massacre but we need more than assurance.
Your Excellency, sir, the current situation is beyond that. Your people need lasting solutions. I need to frankly state that security situation in the State has left many bewildered and uncomfortable in recent times. Many believe you have been handling the situation with kids gloves which doesn’t sit well with them.
Months ago when the Amotekun Corps was created to tackle insecurity especially in communities under the siege of the Fulani Herdsmen, it was loudly applauded because we felt the era of criminality in the State has come to an end.
Sir, three days ago, the Oyo State Chairman of Amotekun Security Corps, Gen. Ajibola Togun (rtd), yesterday, raised the alarm that some foreign Fulani herdsmen and bandits of Tuareg extraction have perfected plans to invade communities in South-West but we all looked on thinking he was bluffing. That was just three days ago, sir. Are we not in trouble already?
Why am I raising concerns?
The Fulani Herdsmen promised to retaliate the displacement of their Seriki and they did! Who knows their next line of actions? Do we leave our people in rural communities at the mercy of this evil folks? Do we sit and watch while they slain our loved ones and destroy our properties? Do we fold our arms and watch these unfortunate beings infiltrate our communities till they go beyond control?
Now is the time to act, Mr. Governor. Now is the time to map out proactive measures to combat the menace of the Fulani Herdsmen. Your people need you now more than ever! Who knows, the FG that has always taken a cue from your actions would still emulate you this time provided a lasting solution is provided!
A stich in time saves Nine!!!
Omo Iya Kunmi
A Concerned Citizen of Oyo State
