By Femi Anamelechi
Two ethnic cultural releligious association under the auspices of Amalgamated Muslim Rights Concern (AMURIC) and The Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria (TCFPN) have called on security agencies and the Oyo State Government to investigate recent allegations made by former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, and Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Igboho, regarding insecurity in the South-West.The groups In a joint statement issued on Friday, expressed concern over statements made by these personalities on the recent kidnapping of schoolchildren in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.In the statements Sunday Igboho had publicly alleged that certain politicians in government were behind acts of insecurity in the region and claimed he was prepared to identify those responsible.Also the former governor of Ejitu State Olusegun Fayose, during a television interview interview alleged that the Oyo State Governor, , had a role in the kidnapping incident.The statement which was , jointly signed by Ibrahim Agunbiade for AMURIC and Ibrahim Barkindo Chubado for TCFPN, pointed out that more than 48 hours had elapsed since the allegations were made without any visible response or action from relevant authorities.The groups expressed disappointment on Security Agencies on what they tagged as dereliction of official responsibilities. They further described the silence as troubling, given the seriousness of the claims and the prevailing security challenges across the country.They argued that although the allegations may have political undertones, they could not be dismissed because of their potential implications for public safety and national security.
The groups regretted that Muslim and Fulani communities have frequently been blamed for insecurity-related incidents across Nigeria, making very necessary for government and security agencies to immediately probe the public statements by both Fayose and Sunday Igboho.The organisations therefore urged the , the government and security agencies to invite the two individuals to provide evidence and disclose any information they have regarding those allegedly responsible for kidnappings and terrorist activities in Oyo State and the wider South-West region.They also maintained that if allegations had been made against Governor Makinde, due legal processes should be followed to establish the facts before a competent court.The groups therefore called for a transparent and lawful investigation claiming that such actions would help restore public confidence in the fight against insecurity while reducing ethnic and religious tensions in Nigeria. AMURIC and TCFPN reiterated their unweaving commitment to peace, justice and national unity, urging political leaders, religious authorities, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to prioritise security and avoid narratives capable of deepening ethnic or religious divisions.
