In the wake of the reported killing of 20 persons in Igangan community of Oyo State by suspected herdsmen, the Chairman, South-West Governors Forum, Rotimi Akeredolu, has said that the governors would defend their people against internal and external aggression.
Akeredolu, who is also the Governor of Ondo State, stated this on Sunday while condemning the attack, which he described as horrendous, callous, and highly provocative.
The governor called on all well-meaning Nigerians to condemn, in the strongest term possible, “this latest assault on decency and communal harmony.”
“We have just received, with rude shock, premeditated attacks on our people at Igangan in Ibarapa area of Oyo State, in the early hours of today (Sunday).
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“This cowardly onslaught on a peaceful community has occasioned loss of lives and property on a large scale.
“While we will encourage the security agencies to get to the root of this latest act of provocation, we have directed the commanders of the South West Security Network, Amotekun, to convoke a joint security meeting of all Commanders in the South West with a view to commencing joint operations in the region immediately.
“We must reiterate the fact that certain elements are bent on causing friction among the peoples of this country with the sole aim of achieving a pernicious end. They will stop at nothing until their set goal is realized. It is, therefore, incumbent on all lovers of peace and freedom to rise against this current regression into savagery.
“We on our part are resolved to defend our people, their property, and all legitimate means of livelihood against both internal and external aggression. On this, there will be no compromise. We cannot afford to fail,” Akeredolu said.
Akeredolu, however, called on people in the South-West region to remain vigilant, report any suspicious movement in their communities.
He also urged them to be united in the task of defending their lives and property.