’Yinka ADETUNJI
The chairman, Senate Committee on Local Content and lawmaker representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Senator Teslim Folarin, has expressed grief over the killing of over twenty persons in Igangan town of Ibarapa North local government area of Oyo State, describing the killings as insane.
Senator Folarin, in a statement by his special adviser on media and publicity, Comrade YSO Olaniyi, emphasized that there was the need for all the security agencies in the state to double their efforts and bring an end to the unabated insecurity in Oyo State.
The three-term senator pointed out that adequate security of lives and properties of the people stands very sacrosanct to peaceful coexistence and meaningful developments.
The statement reads in part:
“I condemn the killing of our people by unknown gunmen on Saturday night. The entire Oyo State is hurt by the incessant, senseless killings across the 33 local government areas of the state. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this time of grief. May their souls rest in peace.”
“I call on the Inspector-General of Police and other sister agencies to beam their searchlight on Oyo State with a view to rescuing Oyo State from cathedral of violence, wanton destruction of lives and property, raping, rampant kidnappings, armed robbery, brigandage and the menace of drug abuse.
“Also, I urge our traditional rulers, religious leaders and the citizens of Oyo State to cooperate with the security agencies as they carry out their duties.”
The midnight attack in Igangan left no fewer than 22 people dead allegedly by Fulani herdsmen, who were said to have come in about 20 motorcycles and vehicles.
The residents claimed the attackers had been threatening the people of the area since the eviction of Seriki Fulani Saliu Abdulkadir in January by a team led by Chief Sunday Adeyemo a.k.a. Sunday Igboho.
According to eye witnesses the attackers went into houses to machete people many who were already asleep and shooting indiscriminately leading to the mindless massacre.
Also, the alleged herdsmen razed the palace of Oba of Igangan and another petroleum station in the community destroying many vehicles and other properties in the process.
Many people have condemned the attack while calling on the government to arrest the culprits and make them face the full wrath of the law.
