We're After Criminals Not Fulanis, Hausas

Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, says the state is not persecuting any ethnic group but rather looking at how to get rid of criminals who are perpetrating atrocities in the state.

Ekohotblog reports that the state has been hotbed of violence in recent weeks as local farmers clash with migrant Fulani herdsmen.

But in a state broadcast on Wednesday, Makinde said the drive of his administration to ensure the state is secured and peaceful is targeted at bandits and kidnappers, and not herders seeking pasture for their flock.

Reacting to an ultimatum given to Fulanis by one Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, Makinde said the state will vehemently oppose any ultimatum asking a group of persons to leave the state, noting that forceful ejection of persons violates the country’s constitution.

He assured that his government would not condone any assault on residents of the state under any guise.

“We cannot overlook the fact that there have indeed been instances that cause concern. The fragile peace between the herdsmen and farmers in Oke Ogun is being threatened,” he said.

He averred that unauthorised persons have arrogated state power to themselves and are harassing and assaulting residents of the state, adding that such scenario would undermine the advancement of the Yoruba cause.

“Let me state that we shall not sit back and watch anyone make any law-abiding resident of Oyo state feel unsafe in their homes, farms, or business places. We are aware of some people circulating flyers and giving people ultimatums to leave their land. This is totally unacceptable and will not be condoned.

“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), which I swore to defend and protect, guarantees freedom of movement in Section 41(1), such that citizens are free to reside in any part of the country without fear. We are determined to preserve that right in Oyo state.

He said the state will take decisive action against anyone trying to foment trouble and breach public peace in the state, adding that his government is doing everything humanly possible to provide adequate and effective security for the people of the state and protect them against any form of crime. He noted that the situation is under control.

“It is time for us to come together and put the interests of our state first. We have a common enemy. That enemy is not the Hausa-Fulani who is looking for pasture for his flock. It is not the farmer who just wants to grow food to sell in the market or to feed his family. Our enemies are the hoodlums, cultists, armed robbers, kidnappers and bandits. These people live among us.”

The governor also implored traditional rulers to rebuff any effort to co-opt them into disruption of peaceful coexistence of residents.

He added that with collective efforts, the state can secure the environment that has contributed to the growth of its economy.