The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) B-Zone representing 17 states of Southern Nigeria has condemned the attack on Fulani herders in Igangan Community of Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Some youths led by Sunday Adeyemo Igboho had stormed the Igangan on Friday where they burned down the settlement of Sarkin Fulani of Oyo State, Alhaji Saliu Abdulkadir including his cars.
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The MSSN in a statement issued by Amir/Zonal Coordinator, Qaasim B. Odedeji; Zonal Secretary, Alh Abdul Jalil Abdur Razaq; and Public Relations Officer, Engr. Bashir Momoh expressed shock over the attack which it said does not represent the interest of the Yoruba.
It stated that the action of Sunday Igboho threatens the corporate existence of the country and so it must be condemned by all and sundry.
The students said issuing quit notice to Fulanis over “unsubstantiated claims of kidnappings, murder and other violent acts being perpetrated” was “an act of insurgence, a direct confrontation against the continuous existence of the Nigerian state, a criminal act of arson and a state of lawlessness which should not be condoned but condemned in its totality.”
It however called on the Federal Government at all levels to tackle with all sense of responsibility and put an end to the issue of farm invasion, kidnapping, murder and all other atrocities experienced in Igangan community to be specific and the nation at large.
The statement read: “The MSSN B-Zone (covering the entire seventeen states of Southern Nigeria) also states unequivocally that this condemnable act does not represent the interest of the Yoruba people.
“The excesses of Sunday Adeyemo Igboho and his fellows must be curbed outrightly. No single group has monopoly of violence and as such, eradicating a whole clan from a community should never be seen as a lasting solution to farm invasion, kidnap and murder as experienced in Igangan.”
It commended the governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde “for coming out to condemn the act” while calling on all Yoruba leaders to prevail on Youths within the region to eschew violence and act within the confines of the law at all times.
The MSSN also appealed to everyone concerned and affected one way or the other to be calm and avoid any retaliation whatsoever.
“Security agencies as a matter of their duty should provide adequate security for lives and properties of all Nigerians wherever they chose to reside in order for people to go about their legitimate businesses without fear or tension,” it added.