A northern youth group, Arewa Youth Movement, has condemned a comment made by Gani Adams, leader of Oodua People’s Congress against herdsmen residing in Nigeria’s south-west region.
Otunba Adams, while reacting to the killing of 36 cows in Ondo by lightning, had said, “Herders should move out of the South-West immediately because they don’t have anywhere to stay in the zone. The South-West will not be convenient for them. Warning that the sad occurrence is just a tip of the iceberg and a caution to herdsmen and other livestock shepherds.”
Angered by the comment, national publicity secretary of AYM, Mallam Abdulrahman Mohammed, in a statement on Monday, September 30, 2019 said northern youths would not continue to watch Adams threaten herders “who are legitimately transacting their businesses in Yoruba land”.
Mohammed also called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the Inspector General of Police to caution Adams from making further threats against herders in the south-west.
He said: “We, therefore, call on the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Mohammadu Buhari, Inspector General of Police, Mr. Adamu Mohammed to please take note of these frequent threats from Chief Gani Adams to herders/cattle breeders who are genuinely transacting their lawful businesses in the South Western part of Nigeria.
“We urge the Inspector General of Police not to take this issue with soft hands.
“This is one of the reasons why we are becoming more panicky and apprehensive by the South West security arrangements being put together by the South West Governors and The Inspector General of Police, in collaboration with the Oodua People’s Congress.
“This should be critically looked into as Hausa/Fulani who are legitimate cattle rearers/breeders will be the first target of Oodua People’s Congress and Chief Gani Adams.
“His outburst has clearly shown what he will go extra miles to ask his men to go after our people. This is a very good advantage for him to carry out his long-time disastrous plan.”
Mohammed also urged the director general of the Department of State Services to take note of the threat by the OPC leader, pointing out that the threat can destabilize the peaceful coexistence of Nigeria and also heat up the polity.
Mohammed added, “We call on South-West governors, traditional rulers and other stakeholders in Yoruba land to also put Chief Gani Adams into check. We’ll not fold our hands while our people who reside in Yoruba land are being killed and maimed by Chief Gani Adams and his members. It is very hazardous, perilous and dangerous to hand over the security of lives and properties in the hands of a ‘warmonger’and tribalistic person of his type.
“Therefore, the Yoruba are scattered all over the Northern parts of Nigeria, no one is threatening them. If Chief Gani Adams thinks he can see still have an occasion which can bring him to the north, such as Abuja, Sokoto, Kano, Kaduna, Niger, Katsina, etc. He should guide his utterances and put himself into check.
“In the same vein, we appeal to our people who reside in the South West and other geopolitical zones in Nigeria to be law-abiding citizens and not to get themselves involved in any incriminating and nefarious activities that can bring about disharmony and unrest. They should maintain law and order in their dealings.”
