For the umpteenth time, the Sarkin Fulani of Oyo State, Alhaji Abdulkadir Salihu, has denied conniving with kidnappers operating in the Igangan area of Ibarapa part of the state as alleged by a youth leader, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.
He also denied knowledge of the killing of Dr Fatai Aborode, a prominent farmer and indigene of Igangan.
Daily Trust reports that Igboho had last week ejected Seriki from his settlement in Igangan in Ibarapa North Local Council Development Area after the expiration of the 7-day ultimatum for the Fulanis in the area to vacate Yoruba land.
The Seriki’s palace, his cars and other properties were subsequently razed.
According to Seriki, no fewer than seven persons were killed when Sunday Igboho invaded his settlement.
AbdulKadir addressed a news conference in Ilorin, Kwara State, saying the allegations against him were fabricated with the aim of getting rid of Fulani in Igangan where he said he had lived for over 50 years without any challenge.
According to the video clip obtained by our correspondent, he asked the federal government to probe the burning of his house, vehicles and the killings of Fulanis by agents of Sunday Igboho.
He said: “My houses, 12 vehicles belonging to myself, my children and some visitors were burnt and seven of our people were killed.
“The corpses of two were yet to be found and some of my animals were carted away.”
AbdulKadir put the cost implications of his losses at over N500 million.
The Fulani leader called on the Emirs and other traditional rulers in the 19 northern states to come to the aid of the Fulani residents in the South- West, saying they have become endangered species.
He reiterated that not all crimes were committed by the Fulani residents of the area, adding that he had in some instances reported his kinsmen found culpable in any attack.
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