Iwoye-Ketu indigenes cry out over alleged incursion of community by fulani herdsmen for kidnapping operations

The indigenes and residents of Iwoye-Ketu community in Imeko-Afon local government area of Ogun State have raised alarm over alleged incursion of the community by suspected Fulani herdsmen engaging in kidnapping and killings of innocent people.

Penpushing reports that the community cried out in a statement issued by Chief Semiu Usman-Legitan(Chairman) and Comrade Wale Fadipe (Secretary), of Iwoye-Ketu Community Development respectively calling for urgent assistance by government to address the escalating wave of violence

‘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’, the statement read.

Penpushing reports that the community leaders pointed out that the situation has not only threatened the peace and security of their community but has also evoked painful memories of the tragic events of 2002, stressing that it is imperative that they 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’, the statement recalled.

‘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 government authorities to restore a semblance of peace to our community.

Penpushing further reports that the indigenes lamented that the community has again find itself on the brink of another devastating conflict, with even more lethal consequence, explaining that 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’, the statement emphasised.

‘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.

Penpushing also reports that the concern indigenes explained that in August alone, they have witnessed three separate incidents of kidnapping within the community, stressing that these kidnappings are not isolated incidents but are part of a broader campaign of terror being waged against the residents.

The residents cried out that the attackers have been relentless in their efforts, leaving a trail of bloodshed and sorrow in their wake, adding that the community is under siege, and threat to their 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.

Penpushing reports that the statement said Kabiru’s death was a tragic reminder of the dangers people face daily, stressing that 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’.

Penpushing further reports that the statement stated that people live in constant fear, unsure of when the next attack will occur, stressing that the psychological toll on the 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’.

Penpushing also reports that the disturbed indigenes said a new and troubling development has surfaced, adding further complexity to their situation, pointing out that despite the petitions submitted by the community to the police and the Department of State Security Service (DSS) regarding the killing of Eric Adekanmbi by criminal elements from the Fulani group in Iwoye, no single arrest has been made by any security agency

‘We, therefore, reiterate our call for a thorough investigation into these incidents and demand the immediate arrest and prosecution of all those involved as detailed in our petition. While we appreciate the cooperation of the security agencies, we believe that more needs to be done’.

‘The situation in Iwoye-Ketu is beyond the capacity of local security forces to handle alone. We call on the Nigerian government, international organizations, and all relevant authorities to intervene urgently. The lives of our people are at stake, and immediate action is required to prevent further bloodshed’.

‘We unequivocally condemn the violence being perpetrated against the people of Iwoye-Ketu. The actions of these attackers are not only criminal but are also a gross violation of human rights. No one should have to live in fear of being kidnapped, killed, or maimed in their own community. We call on all responsible parties to denounce these acts of violence and to support our efforts to restore peace to our community’.

‘We urgently appeal to the Nigerian government to take decisive action to protect the lives and properties of the people of Iwoye-Ketu. The government must deploy additional security forces to our community, conduct thorough investigations into the violence, and bring the perpetrators to justice’.

‘We also call for the establishment of a permanent security presence in Iwoye-Ketu to deter future attacks and ensure the safety of our people. In addition to government intervention, we seek the support of the international community’, the statement added.

‘We call on international human rights organizations, foreign governments, and global peace advocates to assist us in our struggle. The violence in Iwoye-Ketu is not an isolated issue but is part of a broader pattern of ethnic violence that requires a coordinated and sustained response’.

‘We take this opportunity to honor the memory of those who have lost their lives in this struggle. Kabiru Ogunrinde, Eric Adekanmbi, and all other victims of this violence are heroes who gave their lives in the defense of our community. We extend our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones. Their sacrifice will not be in vain, and we are committed to ensuring that their deaths lead to lasting peace and justice’.

‘As we face this crisis, it is essential that we remain united as a community. We must stand together in the face of adversity and work collectively to protect our homes, our families, and our way of life. We call on all indigenes of Iwoye-Ketu, both at home and abroad, to join us in our efforts to restore peace and security to our community’.

‘In conclusion, we reiterate our call for urgent action to address the escalating violence in Iwoye-Ketu. Our community is under threat, and we cannot afford to wait any longer. We call on the Nigerian government, international organizations, and all concerned citizens to stand with us in our time of need. Together, we can end this violence and ensure a safer future for the people of Iwoye-Ketu’, the statement emphasised.

FOOTNOTE: You want to share story with us? You want to advertise with us? You need publicity for product, or service, or   event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348073463653 or email [email protected]