Insecurity: Activate Traditional Self-defence System, Afenifere Tells South-west …Commends Obasanjo, others’ forthrightness

Disturbed by the spate of insecurity characterised by killings and kidnappings in the Southwest, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, on Monday called on the people to activate their traditional and communal self-defence system in the face of threats.

The call was part of the communique issued at the end of the General Assembly of the organisation held at the Akure, Ondo State residence of its leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, which was attended by leaders from the South-west geo political zone.

The communique was read by the National Publicity Secretary of the group, Yinka Odumakin, and entitled: ‘We must stop this genocide’.

Afenifere said Yoruba land was under serious siege with the activities of the Fulani marauders in form of killings, kidnappings and rape.

The socio-political group reiterated the warning that Nigeria should not wait till the matter degenerated to the level of another civil war.

The group said: "Those who have studied events in Liberia Somalia, Rwanda and Sudan would not miss the fact that this was how events started until full-scale civil wars broke out."

Odumakin said the spate of wanton killings going on across Nigeria was being  perpetrated largely by Fulani herdsmen/militia as the only group that are in possession of unlicenced sophisticated weapons in Nigeria.

Afenifere said acts were being perpetrated without fear of any consequence as they seem to have official backing and promotion.

According to the Afenifere, the killings targeted at non-Fulani groups across the country are willful and deliberate in pursuit of expansionist and conquest agenda.

Publicity Secretary said: "The government in place has betrayed  perceived complicity as we are not aware of any member of the killer group on trial for these monumental crimes even when Miyetti Allah has owned up to some of them.

"Instead, the regime has treated them with kid gloves, making excuses for their crimes with our Information Ministry and presidential media office being made to look like Boko Haram and Miyetti Allah media centre as they issue statements to defend these groups even when they are not defending themselves, with the presidency equating Miyetti Allah with Afenifere and Ohanaeze in order to confer legitimacy on them.

"And lately, it is the insensitive and impunity-inspired decision of the federal government to open a Fulani radio station for the herdsmen in violation of the Federal Character spirit of our constitution.

"To avert this destructive scenario, we call on the federal government to immediately readdress its priorities in these matters and begin the process of running an inclusive country while re-defining law and order so that no citizen would take the life of another without fear of consequences.”

Afenifere equally called on the international community not to stand aloof as Nigeria drives to the edge of precipice.

The Yoruba organisation noted that it would be a big burden for the global community if things get out of hand in Nigeria.

Odumakin added: "The situation has become much more frightening with the claim by a recently kidnapped don at Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife that he noticed that one of the policemen who stopped him at a checkpoint shortly before he was abducted made a call.

"He said the policeman is of the same ethnic stock with the Fulani herdsmen who kidnapped him thereafter.

"We want the police authorities to properly investigate this as it sends a worrying signal."

Afenifere also commended former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, and other patriots who credited the wave of terror going on in Nigeria by Boko Haram and Miyetti Allah to the ‘Fulanisation project’ in West Africa.

"We commend his boldness in speaking the truth no matter how inconvenient it maybe , which is the hallmark of a statesman.

"We also acknowledge the forthrightness of the Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka, Gen David Jemibewon, Col David Bamigboye, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Pan Niger Delta Forum(PANDEF), Middle Belt Forum and all other patriots who have backed Obasanjo's statement," Odumakin said.