Yoruba in Kogi lament beheading of local chief by Herdsmen
A community leader, Chief Ariyo Aina has been beheaded by suspected Fulani herdsmen. The incidence took place in Ogga, a Yoruba community in Kogi State.
A statement made available to Irohinoodua on Saturday claimed that Chief Aina, a farmer was gruesomely beheaded by Fulani herdsmen after he had challenged them for encroaching on his farm.
In a statement made available to our correspondent, the Okun Development Initiative (ODI), said it received with shock the gruesome and bestial beheading of Mr. Ariyo Aina in Ogga by Fulani herdsmen for daring to challenge his killers for encroaching on his farm.
The statement signed by the Secretary General, Okun Development Initiative, (ODI) Apostle Olalekan Aitenigba, noted.
“We observe with apprehension the increasing insecurity and armed banditry in Okunland due to activities of these killer herdsmen and condemn their nefarious activities in its entirety.”
The group passionately appealled to Kogi State Government to rejig its security architecture to ensure the security of lives and properties not only in Okunland but the entire state.
“Our people have endured the callous activities of these marauding intruders across Okunland and government must do all that is necessary to stem this ugly trend before we lose hope and confidence in the ability of government to deliver on its basic responsibility to ensure the security of lives and properties”
The group further stated “The recent butchering of Mr. Ariyo Aina, is one murder too many and relevant security agencies are urged to apprehend those responsible with a view to making them face the full wrath of the law.”
According to ODI, the Okun people must not be pushed to resort to self-help as the consequences will not be palatable.
“The hospitable and peaceful disposition of our people across Okunland should not be mistaken for timidity, docility and cowardice.
Okun Development Initiative (ODI), is convinced that this is not the time to trade or apportion blames.
“We implore relevant agencies of government to be proactive in dealing with the escalating insecurity in Okunland as previous incidents of similar nature have not witnessed the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators.
Agriculture is the mainstay of our economy and living in Okunland and we view any and every attempt to scare our people away from their farms or forceful convert their efforts to fodder for cattle, as a brazen attempt to annihilate us as a people which will be resisted as it constitute a frontal assault on our existence
Aiyenigba also urged the Traditional rulers, Social-political groups and Community Development Associations, Youth Associations to come up with ideas that will assist in curbing this menace that is a clear and present danger to the people’s collective existence.”
