Residents of Iwoye-Ketu, in Imeko-Afon local government area of Ogun State, under the auspices of “the Iwoye-Ketu Development Forum”, have called on Nigerian government and international community to intervene in the brutal killings of natives and residents of the community by suspected Fulani arsonists.
The community said the recent attack on the town has threatened peace and security of the community and evoked painful memories of the tragic events of 2002.
The community in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman, Chief Semiu Usman-Legitan and Secretary, Comrade Wale Fadipe on the escalating violence in Iwoye-Ketu, said the current violence is eerily reminiscent of the violent clash between the indigenes of Iwoye-Ketu and the Fulani settlers in 2002 which led to significant loss of lives and properties which forced many residents to abscond the town for safety.
The leaders noted that, in the last two months, Iwoye-Ketu has become a hotbed of kidnappings, killings, and other violent acts.
They reiterated that the perpetrators of the heinous crimes are believed to be members of the Fulani ethnic group residing in the community.
They maintained that the Fulani have shown no regard for human lives by hacking and attacking the indigenes to death at any slightest provocation which according to them have instilled fear and among the people.
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The statement reads, “It is with profound grief and a deep sense of urgency that we, the leaders and concerned indigenes of Iwoye-Ketu, address the escalating wave of violence, kidnappings, and killings perpetrated by individuals suspected to be from the Fulani ethnic group residing within our community.
“This situation has not only threatened the peace and security of our community, but has also evoked painful memories of the tragic events of 2002. We must bring this alarming situation to the attention of the Nigerian government, international bodies, and all well-meaning citizens.
“The current wave of violence is eerily reminiscent of the violent clash between the indigenes of Iwoye-Ketu and the Fulani settlers in 2002, which led to significant loss of lives and properties. That conflict forced many of our people to abandon their homes in search of safety. It took years of concerted efforts by both local and state government authorities to restore a semblance of peace to our community. Today, we find ourselves on the brink of another devastating conflict, with even more lethal consequences.
“In recent months, the situation in Iwoye-Ketu has deteriorated rapidly. Our community has become a hotbed of kidnappings, killings, and other violent acts. The perpetrators of these heinous crimes are believed to be members of the Fulani ethnic group, who have taken up residence in our community. These individuals have shown no regard for human life, attacking and hacking our people to death at the slightest provocation. The frequency and brutality of these attacks have instilled fear and anxiety among our people.
“It is crucial to note that Iwoye-Ketu is a border town, which has significantly contributed to the rising crime and violence we are experiencing. The proximity to the border has made our community vulnerable to infiltration by criminal elements who exploit the porous borders to perpetrate their heinous acts. This geographical factor has exacerbated the security challenges in our community, making it even more imperative for swift and decisive action.
“This August alone, we have witnessed three separate incidents of kidnapping within our community. These kidnappings are not isolated incidents but are part of a broader campaign of terror being waged against our people. The attackers have been relentless in their efforts, leaving a trail of bloodshed and sorrow in their wake. Our community is under siege, and the threat to our lives and properties has never been more dire.
“The violence has claimed the lives of many promising young men in our community. Among them was Kabiru Ogunrinde, who was brutally killed while escorting police officers to a crime scene involving the same group of attackers. Kabiru’s death was a tragic reminder of the dangers our people face daily. Just two days ago, another promising youth, Eric Adekanmbi, was mercilessly hacked to death while trying to secure the release of kidnapped victims. These are just a few of the many lives lost in this senseless violence.
“The impact of this violence on our community cannot be overstated. Families have been torn apart, livelihoods have been destroyed, and the sense of safety that once characterized our community has been shattered. Our people live in constant fear, unsure of when the next attack will occur. The psychological toll on our community is immense, and the long-term consequences are difficult to fathom.
“In response to these attacks, the leaders of Iwoye-Ketu, along with various interest groups, have taken several steps to address the situation. We have engaged in numerous meetings with security agencies, who have shown a commendable level of cooperation. However, despite these efforts, the violence continues unabated, and our community remains in grave danger,” he said.