Former Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki has expressed his disappointment over silence from major stakeholders on the recent killings and criminal activities of Fulani herdsmen in the Southwest.
The former governor also called on political leaders to rise to quell the tension rising from the clash between herdsmen and residents of Igangan, Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Herdsmen and Igangan residents clashed over the weekend after an activist Sunday Adeyemo alias Sunday Igboho arrived the town last Friday to forcefully eject herdsmen who have been accused of criminal activities.
Saraki in his statement on Sunday said the silence from major stakeholders means things are wrong, adding that he, for example, would be affected if an inter-tribal crisis springs up in the country.
“The deafening silence by key stakeholders, leaders and others who we think should speak out is worrisome. This silence is a dangerous tell-tale sign that things are wrong. This is not good for our country,” he said.
“We must all speak out and talk about the solutions to the twin-problems of insecurity and the threat to our national unity.”
“Let me use my case as an example of why this country should continue to grow as one united and progressive entity. I am of Fulani origin and have a Yoruba mother. My father was a Muslim and mother is Christian,” he said.
Saraki also appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari, National Assembly leaders and politicians to provide leadership.
“I appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari to provide leadership. Mr. President, take measures that will reassure all and sundry that you are working on the problems — in order to ensure that nobody loses interest in a united, peaceful and progressive Nigeria,” he said.
South-West governors are scheduled to meet leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria on Monday to resolve the crisis.
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