Metro
INSECURITY: Monarch cautions those stoking drum beats of war
Osun monarch, Oluwo of Iwo, Oba AbdulRasheed Akanbi, has called for collective action over the rising state of insecurity in the South West characterised by killings and kidnappings by herdsmen in the region.
In an open letter issued on Saturday, the Oluwa of Iwo also cautioned those stocking the drum beats of war to have a rethink in the interest of the nation.
According to the monarch, his concern was informed by his unpalatable experience during the Liberian war, where he fought on the side of Charles Taylor.
The Oluwo of Iwo also acknowledged the open letter written by the Alaafin of Oyo Lamidi Adeyemi who called for self-help over the rising spate of insecurity.
According to him, self-help will only aggravate the current security challenge facing the country, as he stressed the need for collective action of all stakeholders to the problem of insecurity prevalent in all zones of the country.
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He said; “I am not undermining the intention of the Alaafin but as a war veteran, I am in the best position to offer appropriate advice. If I keep quiet over it and something untoward happens tomorrow, I would be an irresponsible traditional ruler. I am repeating it that the cost of war is usually heavier than the cost of settlement.
“Parents would run for safety abandoning their children and property. Women and female children would be subjected to rape before their husbands and fathers with the fathers watching helplessly. I know what I passed through during Liberian War fighting on the side of Charles taylor. That is the more reason I will not subscribe to any call which encourages taking up arm to settle the insecurity problem which the entire country is currently facing.”
The monarch also charged President Muhammadu Buhari to be proactive in his handling and approach of the clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers.
“The Federal Government should enforce compulsory free education to Fulani children to secondary school level. That in itself is a panacea to checkmate the elements hell-bent on tarnishing the image of the Fulani among other ethnic nationalities”.
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