Pascal Arogorn Ibe
The embattled Sarkin Fulani of Igangan in Ibarapa Local Government Area of Oyo State , Alhaji Salihu Abdulkadir, has said he and his household had been unfairly treated by the violence meted out to them in the community.
Abdulkadir, who addressed a press conference in Ilorin, on Thursday, denied the involvement of his family in kidnapping or any other criminal activities in the community.
The Sarkin Fulani said seven of his kinsmen died while his property worth over N 500 million was destroyed in the violence allegedly unleashed on them by supporters of Yoruba rights activists, Sunday Igboho
He said , “ My houses , 12 vehicles belonging to myself , my children , and some visitors were burnt and seven of my people were killed. The corpses of two were yet to be found and some of my animals were carted away. ”
He , however , confirmed that the crimes of kidnapping and raping were being committed in the community but said both the Yoruba indigenes of the area and the Fulani were culprits .
The Sarkin Fulani said he had always worked with security operatives in fighting the crimes in the area to the knowledge of leaders and elders of the community .
He said when a Fulani boy was involved in raping, he investigated the matter and handed the boy over to the victim’ s family
Abdulkadir who said he hails from Ilorin said the insinuations by Sunday Igboho and some people in the community that he aids and abets the crimes were baseless and only made with the sole purpose of getting the Fulani out of Igangan and other parts of Yorubaland.
He said , “ I and my family have been living in Igangan for over 50 years without any challenge from anybody either in Igangan or any other places
“ When a Fulani boy named Omomogeto was reported to me that he raped someone , I told the vigilante to arrest the Fulani boy . When he was arrested, I investigated the matter and discovered that he committed the offence , I handed him over to the family of the victim . Also , a young lady was raped by an indigene of Igangan last year to the extent that she died , nothing was done to the man who raped her.
“ There was no case of farm destruction reported to me that I will not send people to go and look at the farm that was destroyed. If discovered that it is true, I will order the Fulani to pay money to the farmers i . e the Agoro family in Igangan and many more . I have a record for such issues.
“ On the issue of killing of one Dr Aborode , I don’ t know anything about it. Where Dr Aborode was killed is very far from my village . It ’ s about two hours drive to my village ; you will pass through Igangan town before you get to where I am . ”
He called on the Federal Government to investigate the whole matter and ensure the culprits are brought to book.
He said , “ Finally, I want the federal government to investigate this matter and anyone found guilty should face the law. ”
Abdulkadir made the call while expressing doubt that the Oyo State Government may not be able to do justice in the matter
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