On Tuesday Five state Governors have arrived in Abeokuta for a peace meeting with their Ogun State counterpart, Dapo Abiodun.
The Governors are Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo, Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano, Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi and Bello Matawalle of Zamfara.
The peace parley, which is being held at the Obas Complex, Okemosan Abeokuta, is geared towards finding a solution to the recurring clashes between farmers in Ogun State and Fulani herdsmen.
It was reported that in the last one week, about 12 persons were reported to have been killed in Yewa area of Ogun State.
Welcoming the governors to the event that has in attendance, traditional rulers, farmers, herders, community leaders, Abiodun said “it is important that we gather and find lasting solutions on recent happenings in our dear state, especially as it concerns the coexistence of farmers and herders.
The governor described as worrisome, the fact that people who had co-existed peacefully for years are suddenly at each others throat on account of sources of livelihood.
According to him, everything took a violent dimension in the last couple of weeks, saying, “We have heard cases of arson, maiming and killings in extreme instances.”
“Our first priority in Ogun State is the safety of lives and property of everyone in our dear State irrespective of the circumstances of their birth or religious leaning,” he said.
According to him, a fact-finding team constituted has submitted an interim report to the Security Council of the state for consideration.
“It became evident there are some elements intent on setting our people against one another by whipping up ethnic sentiments.
“The recent avoidable conflicts left casualties and loss of property on both sides.
“Those fomenting the crisis are said to be non-residents in our state. Unfortunately, the crisis has been exacerbated by some undesirable elements within and outside the state that whipped up ethnic sentiments.
“They sneak in at night, wreak havoc and retreat after their evil acts.
“In whatever form, colour or ethnic group, a criminal is a criminal. We condemn all forms of crimes and criminality, regardless of the ethnicity of the perpetrators,” he submitted.
Abiodun explained that the presence of other governors cutting across all political parties shows a joint commitment to the peaceful resolution of the conflict and a reflection of the relationship and mutual goodwill he shares with them.
He added that “they are also here because of their indigenes that have lived here for many years peacefully and have accepted to lend their voices to enable peaceful cohabitation.”
