An Islamic Organisation, known as Ta’awuni Muslimeen has called on the government to declare as terrorist any groups or individuals working against oneness of Nigeria or calling for tribal war.
The Ameer Ta’awuni, Sheik Dawood Imran-Molaasan made the call in Iwo, Osun State during a Southwest meeting with some leaders of Fulani communities in the region.
He said, government must start to arrest anyone who attacks other tribe to emplace harmonious and peaceful coexistence among all tribes irrespective of their places of residence.
Sheik Molaasan acknowledged the fact that that Nigeria is being threatened with insecurity adding that the gathering sought to address the issue as it affects Yoruba and Hausa/Fulani residing in the South West and also on the need to allow peaceful coexistence.
He said the organization would work to save Yoruba people from tribal war, to protect Nigeria from separation and also to put an end to the incessant insecurity in the country.
“…there are miscreants, hooligans and secessionists who are planning to secede Yorubaland away from Nigeria. They are enemies of progress, who do not understand the needs, aspirations and yearnings of Yoruba people. They need to be cautioned in order to avert a reoccurrence of the Biafra scenario”, the Islamic scholar said.
On the recent spate of attacks that in Igangan, Sasa Market in Oyo State and Igua area of Yewa North in Ogun State, Sheik Molaasan called on the government to investigate and bring the perpetrators to book while the victims be compensated.
To ensure harmonious relationship, the Amir Ta’awuni encouraged Fulani herders to cooperate with all stakeholders to nip insecurity in the bud.
He said, “You (Fulani) should correct all the allegations leveled against you especially the issue of farm destruction and carrying of dangerous weapons around. You must cooperate with the government and ready to expose the culprits within your community.
“You should avoid taking law into your hands on any issue. You should learn not to retaliate but rather allow the government to take its rightful position on any issue.
Sheik Molaasan said the organization believes in unity of Nigeria, the system, and would continue to work for the peace and harmony of the citizens.
Speaking, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba AbdulRasheed Akanbi described the root cause of crisis in Yorubaland as political, warning that any leader drumming the beat of war is doing it to the detriment of all and sundry.
Oba Akanbi emphasised the need for government to provide intervention programme which will aim at educating herders on modern day ranching to avert clashing with farmers.
He also advised the herders to support government and security agencies to fish out bad eggs among them to put an end to security challenges facing the country.
In his remarks, Son of Serikin Fulani of Igangan, Saliu Ibarahim-Dende noted that Fulani and various communities in Yoruba land have been living together peacefully for ages and no right thinking person would want the relationship to turn sore.
He assured that they would always be ready to cooperate with stakeholders to ensure that no criminals perpetrate their acts.
