Bandits, not Fulani herders, are the enemies – Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said the enemies of the state are bandits and kidnappers, and not herders seeking pasture for their flock.

In a broadcast on Wednesday, Makinde said his government would not tolerate any assault on residents of the state under any guise.

He added that the state would not accept issuance of ultimatums for any group of persons to leave Oyo, adding that it is against the constitutional right that guarantees freedom of movement.

He was speaking in relation to a threat by a group of Oodua People’s Congress headed by Sunday Igboho to the Fulani herdsmen in Oyo to vacate the area or be prepared for forceful ejection.

Makinde said, “We cannot overlook the fact that there have indeed been instances that cause concern. The fragile peace between the herdsmen and farmers in Oke Ogun is being threatened.”

“Individuals who are not authorised are going around chasing people from their homes and causing mayhem. This assault on residents of Oyo State is not the way to further the Yoruba cause.

“Let me state that we shall not sit back and watch anyone make any law-abiding resident of Oyo state feel unsafe in their homes, farms, or business places. We are aware of some people circulating flyers and giving people ultimatums to leave their land. This is totally unacceptable and will not be condoned.

“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), which I swore to defend and protect, guarantees freedom of movement in Section 41(1), such that citizens are free to reside in any part of the country without fear. We are determined to preserve that right in Oyo State.

“I must reiterate that we will not hesitate to take appropriate action against any individual who tries to disrupt the peace in Oyo state. Our administration is taking all necessary steps to protect the good people of Oyo state from harassment, thuggery and banditry. We believe we have the situation under control.

“It is time for us to come together and put the interests of our state first. We have a common enemy. That enemy is not the Hausa-Fulani who is looking for pasture for his flock. It is not the farmer who just wants to grow food to sell in the market or to feed his family. Our enemies are the hoodlums, cultists, armed robbers, kidnappers and bandits. These people live among us.”

The governor also called on traditional rulers in the state not to be part of any plan to disrupt the peaceful coexistence of residents.

He added that with collective efforts, the state can secure the environment that had contributed to the growth of its economy.