Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta
The Sarkin-Fulani, Ogun State, Mr. Muhammad Kabir Labar, has commended the Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his timely intervention which he said prevented the recent crisis in Yewa North Local Government Area of the state from escalating and snowballing into a conflagration.
This was just as he debunked media reports attributed to him that 23 Fulani persons lost their lives during the recent clashes between farmers and herders in the area.
According to him, the governor’s prompt intervention in the crisis doused the tension that had been rising on both sides and saved lives and properties.
Pointing out that the reports of Fulani casualties misrepresented facts, Labar stated, “The publication was purportedly drawn from the comments I made at the Stakeholders parley convened by Ogun State government yesterday, Tuesday, 16 February, in an effort to seek a lasting solution to the crisis.
“I make bold to say that the remark was taken out of context. I was emphatic at the parley that there should be unity, peace and healthy cohabitation among the various ethnic groups in the State, as we have always had.
“Killings, no matter the circumstance, are detestable and can never be the solution to the issues at hand; we do not have to further aggravate the already tense situation by pandering to ethnic sentiments.”
Labar added that various ethnic nationalities had been living as one in Ogun State for centuries with mutual respect for one another, saying that things would continue in that manner, as agreed at the stakeholders’ meeting.
He harped on the need to be wary of mischief makers trying to reap from the mindless cycle of bloodletting by fabricating casualty figures and losses on both sides.
“I call on the people and the media to exercise restraint in what is said and reported on the crisis as the State Government and the security services have demonstrated unwavering commitment to the safety of our lives and property.
“Already, we have seen the deployment of patrol vehicles, armed personnel and the political will of the Governor to bring the situation under control. We thank him for his sincerity and commitment to restore peace.”
Labar thanked the governors of Ondo, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kano and Niger States for their participation and contributions at the parley.