Governor Akeredolu, the Governor of Ondo State released a press statement titled “Igangan Provocative Onslaught One Too Many”. The statement condemned the massacre of about 20 residents of the Igangan community as well as setting ablaze the Palace of the Onigangan of Igangan earlier this morning by Fulani Herdsmen.
The press statement release is as shown below:
“Akeredolu: Igangan Provocative Onslaught One Too Many
We have just received with rude shock a 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 the 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 to commence joint operations in the region immediately.
We must reiterate the fact that certain elements are bent on causing friction among the peoples 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.”
SIGNED
ARAKUNRIN OLUWAROTIMI O. AKEREDOLU, SAN
CHAIRMAN SOUTH WEST GOVERNORS’ FORUM AND GOVERNOR, ONDO STATE
This press release was a reaction to the attack unleashed on the Igangan Community area in Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State by Fulani Herdsmen, leading to the untimely death of 20 residents and the razing of the palace of Onigangan of Igangan.
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It should be noted that the attack happened six days after the Chairman of Amotekun Corps in Oyo State, General Ajibola Togun (retired) raised the alarm that some foreign herders were about to unleash terror on the six states in the South West.
The gunmen were said to have struck at midnight killing, maiming and setting houses ablaze.
Morganable News gathered that the Fulani Herders killed about 20 residents. Maimed numerous residents while setting ablaze several houses including the palace of the Onigangan of Igangan, which is largely an Agrarian community.
The unprovoked attacks have been confirmed by the former caretaker chairman of the council, Mr Tunji Omolewu, who said he rushed down to Igangan this morning to verify the attacks.
He said, “I got the call around 11 pm. We were on our way from Ekiti where we had gone to do the Yoruba nation rally. I got to Ibadan around 12 am and when the calls did not stop coming, I decided to come home. I have counted more than 20 dead bodies. The palace of our monarch was torched. Adolak filling station too was burnt”.
In a separate interview, Mr Adeagbo confirmed the attacks adding that “Yes, it is true. Fulani herders came in the night to attack our people. They killed many people. I’m there now counting the number of dead people. I don’t know how many for now because we are still counting.”
A resident said the attackers were more than 50. They came on 20 motorcycles around 11 pm. They started shooting, stabbing, and clubbing our people.
“We don’t know what is happening now. We have shouted, cried and appealed for help but none came. These people have been killing us one by one. But, now more than 20 people have been killed in this fresh attack.”
“You know we sent them away from here when they were kidnapping and raping our women. Perhaps, this is a reprisal. Is this how we will continue to live our lives?
The former caretaker chairman of the neighbouring Ibarapa Central, Yemi Akinlabi, said, “It is so sad. Only a few days ago, our people got an intelligence report and forwarded it to the appropriate quarters for actions but here we are today. Are we going to continue to live in fear in our land?
I have spoken to General Toogun about last night’s incident and we would want him and his team to do something. Our people must not be allowed to resort to self-help”.
These are painfully sad and tense moments for all of us. May God help us all.
