The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, on Friday, warned that the latest onslaughts on communities in Kwara and Kogi states were attempts by territory expansionists, terrorists and others who were disgruntled with the government to destabilise the country.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, in Ibadan, the group also commiserated with both states over the insecurity and boat accident.
Afenifere maintained that the sacking of communities in Kwara and Kogi states and in some other areas, particularly in the Middle Belt, are grim reminders that terrorism in those places poses serious threats to the people of the South-West, and other parts of the country.
It said, “The method of operation of the terrorists in Kwara went beyond those who are kidnapping for ransom or are just interested in finding fodder for their livestock. The type of weapons they use, the derring-do manner with which they attack, and the intensity of the damage they cause clearly indicate that they have very powerful people sponsoring them both locally and internationally.
“The usage of the adjective ‘very’ here was deliberate with a view to underlining the deep involvement of powerful interests locally and internationally in the life-taking experiences we are having presently. So-called ‘illegal miners’ etc. could be suspected here.
“Kwara, known as ‘State of Harmony’, was lately invaded with lives lost, properties destroyed, and socio-economic activities severely disrupted. However, those supporting, collaborating and sponsoring the evil doers need to remember that when the country is destabilised, they are not going to be immune. What is happening in Afghanistan presently, and what has been happening since the unwarranted ouster and murder of Muammar Gaddafi of Libya, should serve as lessons.”
Ajayi reminded those encouraging terrorists in Nigeria to remember that hard-hearted elements with power can be very deadly.
“Not only that, they do not have respect for human rights at all, as events in various parts of the world and in some communities that terrorists occupied in Nigeria attest to. Children and family members of terrorists’ sponsors can not escape from the wrath they are bringing upon the land either,” he added.
Credit: punchng.com
