THE killing of Mrs. Funke Olakunrin by unknown gunmen on the Benin-Ore Expressway drew more condemnation yesterday with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, urging the government to halt the trend.
CAN President Samson Ayokunle described the sad development as unacceptable and charged the government to step up the security system.
The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere and the police have disagreed over who was responsible for the killing of Mrs. Olakunri, daughter of Afenifere chieftain, Chief Reuben Fasoranti.
To the group, itinerant herdsmen must be held accountable. But police blamed the killing on kidnappers.
A statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, Special Assistant (Media & Communications) to the Dr. Ayokunle said: “Our position is that whoever is responsible for this despicable act, the security agencies should rise up to unmask the perpetrators of this wicked annoying act.
“The criminality in the country is condemnable, reprehensible and unacceptable act. The killings have become too alarming that no explanation from the government can justify.
“Is the government totally overwhelmed? What is the essence of government? Is it not first of all to protect lives and properties? The stories we are hearing are neither exaggerated nor politicised. This killing is a big dent on the government of the day! Today, it is Mrs. Olakunri, no one knows who the next person could be! We are seriously concerned and are weeping for our beloved country Nigeria.
“Why have things become like this? The bad image these acts are giving us as a nation daily is bad and totally shameful. Can’t the government act better for us?
“Once again, we call on the Federal government to overhaul the security architecture of the country which appears to have collapsed. Nowhere is safe again due to the criminal activities of men of the underworld who are manifesting as terrorists, killer herdsmen, kidnappers, ritual killers, armed bandits, religious fundamentalists (Boko Haram) and armed robbers. People are being kidnapped with impunity and ransom is being paid to get their captives released. For how long will these things continue to go on?
“Our hearts go out to the chief mourner of this murderous act, Pa Reuben Fasoranti. There is no one who can comfort you but God, our Comforter and He will console and comfort you Sir on all sides. He will pour the Balm of Gilead on your wound and give you grace to spend your remaining years in good health and sound mind in Jesus Name. Accept our heartfelt condolences and sympathy Sir.
“We call on the Police and other security agencies to wake up from their slumber and fish out those responsible for this crime and other killings in the country. You can’t justify the salaries you are earning every month when it appears as if you are on duty and cannot secure lives and properties of citizens. It appears ‘things are falling apart because they are no longer at ease.’ May God deliver our nation from total collapse in Jesus Name.”
The Ooni of Ife declared that the Southwest has had enough of the killing by suspected herdsmen.
The frontline monarch said that it was time for the region to be united in combating the security challenges headlong.
Read also: Troops for roads to stop killings, says Osinbajo
Oba Ogunwusi, who spoke yesterday in Kota Ekiti, Ekiti East Local Government area of Ekiti State, at the thanksgiving in honour of Ekiti South Federal Constituency II House of Representatives member Olufemi Bamisile.
He said the Yoruba people could no longer fold its hands and allow people to be killed, urging the race to unite and defend itself against bandits.
The monarch said: “I call on all the people of Yoruba race at this time to be united. The time has come end this killing. These killings must end, enough is enough!
“We could no longer fold our hand and allow people to be killed. So, we must be united at this time and protect our territory.”
In his sermon, the Bishop Diocese of Ekiti, Reverend Emmanuel Abejide of Methodist Church Nigeria, Ekiti State, described the prevailing security situation as unfortunate.
He warned that unless the leaders put their thinking cap things might get worse.
He said: “We have failed so much. Many of our political leaders have failed to develop our potential. If by God give you have opportunity to be in a position, its by God grace please use it for the benefit of mankind.”
Bamisile said that the various stakeholders in the Southwest were already talking, adding that the region would defend itself against any aggression.
“The death of Pa Fashoranti’s daughter is one of the greatest mistake that ever happened in the Southwest. With the step that we are taking, we are moving ahead to stop the killings”, the lawmaker said.
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