Militants’ attacks: Yoruba, Ijaw leaders meet

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In order to find a lasting solution to attacks by armed militants on communities in Ogijo, Sagamu area of Ogun State, the leaders of the Yoruba Unity Forum and the Ijaw National  Congress, on Wednesday, met at the palace of the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Michael Sonariwo, in Sagamu.

Ogun communities which had come under deadly attacks between June and this month, in which no fewer than 35 persons were killed included Imushin, Imuti, Ebute-Ibafo, Elepete, and Igbo Olomu among others.

Many residents had fled the communities and had yet to return to their homes.

The leaders of the two parties said the purpose of the meeting was to rub minds with stakeholders in the area to ensure adequate peace among residents.

The Yoruba leaders under the umbrella of the YUF were led by Mr. Yinka Odumakin while the Chairman of Bayelsa Elders Council, Chief Francis Dokpola, led other notable leaders of Ijaw nation to the meeting.

Odumakin said the forum, worried by the ugly development in the Yoruba communities, set up a committee to liaise with the communities where the incidents happened.

He explained that the only way out of this situation was for government to consider the option of state and community policing to deal with all kinds of crimes, arguing that the ‘federal police’ had failed in this regard.

He said, “The consensus we have reached here today is that the perpetrators of the nefarious acts are criminal elements, who are going about disturbing the peace and killing people.”

Odofin of Isonyindo,Oba Samuel Gisanrin, said traditional rulers in Sagamu communities were disturbed by the development, hence the need for all stakeholders to discuss the way out of the security breach.

The Chairman of Bayelsa Elders Council, Chief Francis Dokpola, on his own part, said there was need for them to visit the Yoruba communities affected by the attacks.

The Area Commander, Sagamu Division of the police command, Mr. Ali Janga, said the hoodlums should be invited for a dialogue if such move would bring peace to the area.