INSIDE THE OJOO VIOLENCE (II): OYO GOVT REJECTS ETHNIC NARRATIVE, SAYS 'CRIMINALITY HAS NO TRIBE'

By Faith Ajewole

Responding to the violence, the Oyo State Government confirmed that two persons were killed while several others sustained injuries during the disturbance.

Leading a state government delegation to the affected community on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde, the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Bayo Lawal, appealed for calm and warned against portraying the incident as an ethnic conflict.

According to Lawal, the violence should be treated as a criminal act, stressing that criminality must not be associated with any ethnic group.

"Criminality has no tribal identity. Our priority is to restore peace and stability in Ojoo and across Oyo State. Anyone found culpable, irrespective of ethnic background, will face the full weight of the law."

The Deputy Governor expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and urged residents not to resort to reprisals.

"We have come here on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde to appeal to everyone to remain calm. We sympathise with the families of those who lost their loved ones, but violence is never the solution to any disagreement."

Lawal assured residents that the state government would conduct a comprehensive investigation into both the immediate and underlying causes of the incident.

"We will investigate the immediate and remote causes of this unfortunate incident. Anyone found culpable will be brought to justice. The government will not sweep this matter under the carpet."

He further warned against actions capable of fuelling ethnic or communal tension.

"Oyo State belongs to all law-abiding Nigerians. We will not condone any act capable of causing tribal conflict or threatening the peaceful coexistence our people have enjoyed over the years."

"Security personnel will remain here until normalcy is fully restored. We are determined to ensure that this crisis does not escalate."

He also appealed to residents, particularly youths, to refrain from reprisals and cooperate fully with security agencies by allowing them unrestricted access to the affected areas.

Local Government Calls for Restraint

Also speaking during the assessment visit, the Chairman of Akinyele Local Government, Hon. Akinwole Akinleye, urged residents not to interpret the violence through an ethnic lens.

"This has nothing to do with ethnicity. It is simply a criminal matter. The police and the military have taken charge of the situation, arrests have been made, and I am confident the law will take its course."

Akinleye disclosed that leaders of both the Hausa and Yoruba communities had already begun dialogue aimed at preventing further violence and preserving the peaceful coexistence that has existed in the area over the years.

Community Seeks Dialogue

Speaking on behalf of the youths, community leader Azeez Olamiposi called on the state government to facilitate a peace meeting involving leaders of all affected groups.

"We appeal to the government to organise a peace meeting involving the leaders of all the affected groups. Dialogue is the only lasting solution, and we believe such a meeting will help prevent a recurrence of this unfortunate incident."

He also urged residents to remain peaceful and support ongoing investigations by providing useful information to security agencies.

Police Confirm Calm Restored

Confirming the restoration of calm, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Ayanlade, said security agencies had brought the situation under control.

"The situation in Ojoo has been brought under control and the area is calm."

As of the conclusion of the Deputy Governor's visit, personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun Corps), and other allied security agencies had taken strategic positions across the affected community to maintain law and order and prevent any further breakdown of peace.

Olubadan Appeals for Peace

Meanwhile, the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, appealed to all parties involved in the crisis to embrace peace and protect the longstanding harmony among the different ethnic communities in Ibadan.

"Regardless of where we come from, we should continue to see ourselves as brothers and sisters."

The traditional ruler noted that disagreements were inevitable in human relationships but cautioned against allowing them to degenerate into violence, particularly amid the country's prevailing security challenges.

He also commended the police and other security agencies for their prompt intervention, saying their swift response helped prevent a further breakdown of law and order.

As of Wednesday evening, security operatives continued to patrol Ojoo and adjoining communities while normalcy gradually returned to the area. Authorities have continued to urge residents to remain calm, refrain from taking the law into their own hands, and cooperate with ongoing investigations.

Other Sources:

Punch E-Paper

Channels Television

The Guardian Nigeria News

Newspeak Online

The Sahara Reporters

The Tribune