Governors of the South-West geopolitical zone on Sunday vowed that they will defend the lives, property and legitimate means of livelihood of their people against both internal and external aggression.
The Chairman of the South-West Governors Forum, who is also the Governor of Ondo State Rotimi Akeredolu made the vow in a statement he personally signed on Sunday in reaction to the attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen on Igangan community in the Ibarapa area of Oyo State on Saturday.
Residents of the community claimed that about 20 persons were killed in the attack that reportedly started at about 11pm.
Akeredolu, who condemned the attack, described it as horrendous, callous, and highly provocative, adding that all well-meaning Nigerians must condemn, in the strongest term possible, “this latest assault on decency and communal harmony.”
The statement read: “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.”
