The leaders and concerned indigenes of Iwoye-Ketu, a community in Imeko-Afon Local Government, Ogun State, have issued a press statement calling for urgent action to address the escalating wave of violence, kidnappings, and killings in the area. The community has been plagued by attacks suspected to be carried out by individuals from the Fulani ethnic group, leading to loss of lives and properties. Read the full text here …Press Statement on the Escalating Violence and Insecurity in Iwoye-Ketu, Imeko-Afon Local Government, Ogun State
1. 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. It is imperative that we bring this alarming situation to the attention of the Nigerian government, international bodies, and all well-meaning citizens.
2. 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 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. A new and troubling development has surfaced, adding further complexity to our situation. A video currently circulating on YouTube by an influencer named Dara alleges that the head of the Regency Council, known as Adele in Yoruba, Chief Enoch Alaye, in connivance with the Divisional Police Officer of the Imeko Police Division, is protecting the Fulani group and tacitly supporting the killing of Yorubas in Iwoye. We wish to categorically state that there is no iota of truth in these allegations. It is important to highlight that despite the petitions submitted by the community to the police and the 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. The suggestion of any collusion is baseless and distracts from the critical need for effective law enforcement.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. In addition to government intervention, we seek the support of the international community. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. 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.
Thank you.
E-Signed:
Chief Semiu Usman-Legitan FCA. Chairman. Comrade Wale Fadipe Secretary
