Tag: Yoruba Nation

The southwest caucus of the House of Representatives on Monday, April 15, said it stands against the recent activities carried out by acclaimed Yoruba Nation Agitators which caused unrest and pose a threat to the peace and stability of the region.

The position of the lawmakers was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Deputy Chief Whip of the House, Dr. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, the chairman of the southwest caucus, Dr. Abiodun James Faleke and the secretary of the caucus, Taofeek Ajilesoro.

The statement reads: “As representatives of the people, we stand firmly against any form of unlawful behaviour and violence that undermines the rule of law and the unity of our country, Nigeria.

Read Also: Police parade Yoruba nation agitators, promise to apprehend sponsors

“It is essential that all grievances and demands be addressed through peaceful and lawful means, respecting the rights and well-being of all citizens.

“We urge all parties involved to engage in constructive dialogue, prioritize the welfare of our people, and work towards finding peaceful and lasting solutions to any grievances.

“Violence and lawlessness have no place in our society, and we call on all individuals to uphold the principles of peace, unity, and respect for the rule of law.

“The South West Caucus remains committed to upholding the values of democracy, justice, and unity in our region and the country at large. Together, we can overcome challenges and build a better future for all”.

Security agents in Ondo state have been placed on red alert ‘to wade off any incursion into the state by the Odua nation agitators and any other miscreants.’

There has been no incidence or activities of Yoruba nation agitators in Ondo state.

Ondo Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Commandant Ibiloye Oluyemi, who ordered divisional officers and tactical teams to be on standby and red alert, said the command was committed to safeguarding life and property and ensuring the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure.

Read Also: NSCDC destroys massive illegal refinery field in Rivers

He said Intelligence Department, Armed Squad, Counter Terrorism Unit, Rapid Response Squad, and Operations were to be on red alert to ensure that the security breach that took place in Oyo State does not happen in Ondo State especially now that the various political parties are having their rallies with mixed crowds in attendance.

He said officers should remain professional and apolitical in their operational assignments.

Ondo Police spokesman, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, said policemen have been deployed to strategic places to ward off any attack.

…says Oyo state will spare no resources to guarantee safety

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo on Monday, April 15, said that the hoodlums that stormed the state secretariat on Saturday met what was beyond their imagination when they stormed the place.

He assured that the state would spare no resources to ensure a safe and secure environment for the people.

He thanked the security operatives for their promptness when the response procedure was activated, noting that the promptness quickly stemmed the incident in the quickest possible time.

Makinde spoke while playing host to the new General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2Div of the Nigerian Army, Major General Obinna Onubogu in his office.

However, the governor acknowledged that it is a trying time for all leaders across all facets of the country, saying leaders must think beyond kinetic response to such measures that will result in peace.

He said the leadership must win the war against all challenges while also not losing peace.

Makinde said: “On Saturday, the emergency security response procured was activated and it actually worked. There are gaps really but the response was quick.

“The hoodlums met what was beyond their imagination and within an hour, everything was under control.

“I on behalf of the Oyo state government and people of the state thank all security agencies including the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Service (DSS), Nigerian Army, Operation Burst, Amotekun and others as everyone responded timely.

“We are indeed grateful for the timely response as it helped to calm the situation within a short time. Most of the things we have been doing jointly with the 2Div will continue.”

He also used the opportunity to appeal to the Chief of Army Staff and the leadership to always allow personnel to have more time to work in their post so that the leaders won’t have to struggle to settle and work with new people every time.

Read Also: Police parade Yoruba nation agitators, promise to apprehend sponsors

He said he has had to work with five GOCs within the last five years of his administration, adding that he is unsure of how many more he would have to work with before his tenure ends, a situation which he said could be better if the GOCs spend time on the ground.

“We must win the war but we must also win the peace. It is a challenging period that anyone in a position of leadership either military or political, even community leadership are challenged at this time.

“As a community leader, you have people who are hungry and angry. We have to come together to see how we can minimise the agents of destabilisation.

“We must not think only of the kinetic responses but also things that we have to do to win peace. Progress can only be made in an atmosphere of peace and stability.

“As an administration, we will spare no resources to ensure we have a safe and secure environment”, Makinde added.

Speaking earlier, the GOC 2Div, Major General Obinna Onubogu described the invasion of the State Secretariat as unfortunate, despite the peace in the state.

He assures that under his watch, the Nigerian Army will play its part to ensure that such a thing does not repeat itself.

He also promised to ensure there is a synergy between the security agencies in the state in line with the directive and policy of the Chief of Army Staff, nothing that such collaboration will go a long way to guarantee better security.

While soliciting the continuation of support for the Army, the new GOC said he had been briefed on the numerous support the state government has been providing for the Army in the state.

Police in Oyo State are on the trail of sponsors of Yoruba nation agitators who invaded government secretariat in Ibadan on Saturday.

The agitators invaded the Oyo State House of Assembly complex located inside the secretariat and hoisted their flag there in an attempt to take over the assembly.

Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Mr Adebola Hamzat, paraded 21 of the agitators arrested before newsmen in Ibadan on Monday.

He said some of those arrested had been listing the names of their sponsors and that police had visited some locations within Oyo State where some incriminating items were recovered.

Hamzat recalled that a member of Amotekun Corps (the security network of states in the Southwest) was injured during the invasion just as one of the agitators who resisted arrest got injured in a gun duel with the police.

He stressed that police were not aware of any death during the incident.

“On Saturday, at about 8:55 a.m., information was received that some men, dressed in military-like camouflage and armed with pump action semi-automatic rifles were sighted on motorcycles around Olomi and moving into Ibadan.

“At about 9:15 a.m., the hoodlums, later known as Yoruba Nation Agitation Group, were trailed to the State Secretariat and to the premises of the governor’s office.

“They hoisted their flag at the House of Assembly, proclaiming the creation of a `Democratic Republic of the Yoruba.

“With police reinforcement, the miscreants were warned to disperse. The agitators turned violent and opened fire on the police and a detachment of Amotekun Corps present,’’ Hamzat said.

He said the police responded and were joined by operatives of other security agencies who suppressed the treason.

The police commissioner also told newsmen that five pump action semi-automatic rifles and two wooden double barrel guns and other exhibits were recovered from the agitators.

Also recovered were two jackets, 30 pieces of torch lights, 49 bells, five horse whips, seven pieces of walkie-talkies and accessories, four generators, 72 pairs of camouflage uniforms and 405 live cartridges.

Hamzat described the action of the suspects as criminal, unpatriotic and a clear case of treasonable felony and terrorism to be meted with adequate sanctions through purposeful prosecutions.

He assured that the police would remain steadfast in the protection of lives and property.

Read Also: Yoruba Nation: Sunday Igboho denies involvement in invasion of Oyo secretariat

“The continued existence of Nigeria as a sovereign indivisible entity is a task that must be accomplished.

“The labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain. Police in Oyo State will be unrelenting in ensuring the continued united corporate existence of Nigeria as a country,’’ Hamzat stressed.

Speaking with newsmen, one of the suspects said he had no regret for his action and that the action was not treasonable.

He argued that the action of the agitators was legal and that their sponsors had documents stating that the UN and ECOWAS had given recognition to Yoruba nation’s existence.

Another suspect said the agitators were promised jobs and good conditions of living if Yoruba nation became a reality.

(NAN)

Operatives have arrested more suspected Yoruba Nation agitators as they battle to restore normalcy after invasion of Oyo Government Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan on Saturday.

No fewer than seven agitators in military camouflage have been arrested. 

In a video seen by The Nation on Saturday, while three of them were seated at the backseat of a Police Patrol van, two others who have sustained injuries were seen at the back of the van lying with blood stain.

It could not be confirmed if the blood stain was due to gun shot injuries.

Two others agitators, including a woman, were being searched by operatives by the side of the police van. 

During the search, it was observed that almost all the arrested uniformed agitators had different charms and amulets on and around their bodies.

As of the time of filing this report, the Oyo Police Command was yet to make any official statement on the development. .

It was gathered the agitators occupied and attempted to overwhelm security operatives at the Assembly complex and secretariat on Saturday morning.

Eyewitnesses reported that the agitators arrived in an ash-colored Hiace bus and two motorcycles, which had been seized and taken to the State Police Headquarters.

The gunmen reportedly headed straight to the House of Assembly premises, removing the national flag and replacing it with the Yoruba Nation flag before security forces intervened.

While some of the agitators were arrested, others fled the scene as security personnel chased them into nearby bushes and forests, sources stated. 

Read Also: JUST IN: Two suspected Yoruba Nation agitators held in Oyo

The Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Security, CP Fatai Owoseni (retired)

confirmed the situation has been brought under control.

He described the gunmen as “miscreants” and urged the public not to panic. 

According to.him: “We were able to arrest some of them while others fled. There is no need to panic. Everything is under control.”

Security personnel have been stationed at the Secretariat gate for safety. 

Oyo Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Adewale Osifeso confirmed the incident but noted he was still gathering details. 

Tension as suspected Yoruba Nation agitators storm Oyo Secretariat

Read Also: JUST IN: Two suspected Yoruba Nation agitators held in Oyo