The Oba of Benin, Omo N’oba N’edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II has urged the Governor of Osun, Rauf Aregbesola, to work with his colleagues in the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to stop the incessant killings by suspected Fulani herdsmen in the country.
The monarch challenged the Presidency to arrest the security challenges confronting the country by taking the necessary steps that would strengthen security in every part of the country.
Oba of Benin made the call during a courtesy visit to Governor Aregbesola at Government House, Osogbo. He said it is necessary to promote peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, as well rescue the country from the shackles of insecurity that has become the lot of the citizenry.
“I want you to mobilise your colleagues in the Nigerian Governors’ Forum to address the issue of insecurity in the country and do something to stop the unwarranted killings by Fulani herdsmen in Benue, Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Edo and other parts of the country.
“It is unfortunate that this is going on in our land. We want something to be quickly done so that Nigerians can know peace because people are being swallowed by cattle in land.
“We even learnt that there might be some international connections to it, we don’t know anything about that, all we want is for it to stop so that our people can know peace again.
“Nigerians cherish their comfort and a peaceful environment so much; so we are charging those of you at the helms of affairs in the country to do everything humanly possible to guarantee peace for Nigerians.
The traditional ruler also condemned the prevalence of human trafficking in the country, particularly in Edo State, describing the menace as modern day slavery that must be urgently confronted.
Describing human trafficking as crime against fellow human beings, the traditional ruler admonished Nigerians not to see it as an Edo State problem only, but a national challenge, which everybody must rise against for the good of the nation.
The monarch called on Nigerians to support the campaign against corruption in the country, noting that for a nation to grow, her citizen must detest any form of corrupt practices.
In his remarks, Governor Aregbesola disclosed that efforts are in top gear to eliminate all forms of insecurity in the country. He described the spate of gruesome killings in some parts of the country as criminal and an act of lawlessness, which is beyond the issue of farmers, herdsmen clash alone.
Arebesola, who disclosed that the issue of Fulani/herdsmen killings has been extensively discussed at the last National Executive Council meeting held in Abuja, assured Nigerians that the unfortunate killings will soon be a thing of the past.
He said the killings became worrisome for the government to the extent that last National Executive Council meeting was devoted to the discussion on how to tackle it tmenace, stressing that an end to the lawlessness is already in sight.
Earlier, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi expressed delight on the visit of Oba Ewuare II, saying it is an affirmation to the fact that Yoruba people remain united.
Oba Ogunwusi said the visit had demonstrated the huge love, unity and cohesion between the people of Benin and the whole Yoruba speaking states in Nigeria.
