The Arewa community in Ile-Ife, Osun state at the weekend held a spacial prayer at Sabo in Ife to commemorate the mass killing during a clash between some northerners and some indigenes of Ife on March 7, 2017.
The prayer session which was held at the Sabo central mosque was organised by the Arewa community in Ile-Ife and supported by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. It was attended by prominent personalities in the town and traders as the Sabo market was shutdown for the commemoration prayer.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Fimihan Adeoye implored the people at the gathering to always strive to maintain peace and tranquility, regardless of tribe and ethnic inclinations.
Adeoye, who was represented by the Ife Area Commander, ACP Funsho Adegboye said no society anywhere in the world can witness social and economic growth without harmony, understanding and tolerance.
The CP lauded the organisers of the commemoration prayer session and charged them to continue to promote peace and harmony. He assured them that police will always ensure their safety in the state.
In his remark, the Seriki Hausawa of Ife, Alhaji Mahmuda Abubakar said the foundation for the cordial relationship among Hausas and Yorubas in Ife was laid by Late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade. He noted that the current Ooni of Ife had further strengthened the bond.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ile-Ife branch, represented by Venerable Michael Akin Omoyayi assured that the body would always support peace initiatives and increase its prayers for peace in Ife and the entire country.
