Anarchy looms as Afenifere calls on Yoruba to activate traditional self-defence

Worried by spate of attacks allegedly being carried out by Fulani herdsmen in the South West part of the country, pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has called on the people of the zone to activate the traditional self-defence system.

In a communiqué issued at the end of a meeting of the group held at the residence of its leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, on Monday, Afenifere frowned over Federal Government’s pampering of the marauders.

The communiqué which was read by the group’s publicity secretary, Yinka Odumakin, said Yoruba people should “activate their traditional self-defence against the herdsmen attacks.”

The communiqué further read, “Unfortunately, the government in place has betrayed  perceived complicity as we are not aware of any member of the group (herdsmen)  on trial for these monumental crimes even when Miyetti Allah has owned up to some of them.

“Instead, the regime has treated them with kid gloves, making excuses for their crimes with our Ministry of Information and presidential media office being made to look like Boko Haram and Miyetti Allah media centre as they issue statements to defend these groups even when they are not defending themselves with the Presidency equating Miyetti Allah with Afenifere and Ohanaeze in order to confer legitimacy on them.

“Of late is the insensitive and impunity-inspired decision of the Federal Government to open a Fulani Radio for the herdsmen in violation of the federal character spirit of our constitution.”

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Spate of killings and other atrocities by herdsmen has remained a serious issue of concern to many Nigerians.

But the government seems not to be treating herdsmen issue as expected by many of the citizens, a situation that has warranted some people accusing the administration of helping herdsmen with an alleged agenda to Fulanize the country and Africa in general.

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