The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to arrest and prosecute Yoruba nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.
MACBAN said if Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, could be arrested and prosecuted, then the same thing should apply to Igboho.
MACBAN National President, Baba Othman Ngelzarma, made the call in response to Igboho’s remarks that Fulani herders should be expunged from the Southwest.
Igboho, who recently returned to Nigeria after about two years of detention in Benin Republic, accused Fulani herders of killing farmers in the Southwest.
However, Ngelzarma described Igboho’s remark as an unlawful comment that amounts to treason.
In a statement he signed, Ngelzarma said: “We call on the commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) and relevant security agencies to arrest and prosecute Sunday Igboho for making this unlawful statement that amounts to treason because he is asking for the actualisation of Oduduwa nation.
“His statements are unlawful. If Nnamdi Kanu will be held behind bars for a similar offence, we see no reason why Sunday Igboho will be allowed to go scot-free without being arrested and prosecuted.”
Meanwhile, Sunday Igboho, on Friday, expressed his readiness to tackle banditry and other criminal elements in the South West if he gets the support of traditional rulers, security agencies and other stakeholders.
Adeyemo, in a statement he personally signed and made available to PUNCH Online in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, said he was ready to collaborate with them in ensuring permanent peace in the region.
Reacting to the overtures by some of the traditional rulers, namely the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi and Owa Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole, seeking his (Adeyemo) involvement in getting rid of hoodlums in the region, Adeyemo said he was ready to assist in ensuring the safety and effective security of lives and property.
Recall that the duo of Oba Ogunwusi and Adewolu, had during a security summit in Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Thursday, suggested the need to involve Adeyemo in tackling growing insecurity in Yorubaland.
While the meeting was on, the Yoruba nation activist was contacted via zoom to share his views on measures to address threats posed by insecurity occasioned by banditry, killer herdsmen and kidnapping, which have been ravaging the South West.
Adeyemo said, “I welcome the idea, and assure them that I will do my best to checkmate incidence of insecurity provided I receive the backing of the relevant security agencies, Yoruba monarchs and other stakeholders.
“We need the active involvement of all stakeholders in restoring peace and tranquility in all parts of the South West, most especially our agrarian communities. I am absolutely ready to contribute my quota in this regard if we secure the approval of the security agencies and the traditional institution in the South West.
“Insecurity and threats precipitated by banditry, herders/farmers clashes, leading to deaths and massive destruction of farmlands have driven away farmers and agric entrepreneurs from farm settlements in Yorubaland. Our fathers and other agile men can no longer engage in cultivation of land for food production.
“If there is peace in our communities, confidence of our farmers will be restored and enabling ambience will be provided for farming activities. We can do it and this will go a long way in addressing food shortage and inflation in the prices of foodstuffs. We must not shy away from any measure capable of securing our environment in order to boost socioeconomic growth.
“We need to flush out criminal elements, who have occupied our forests using the place as launch pads to jeopardize the peace in our communities, towns, villages and amulets. I am ready to lend my support in this regard,.”
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