The Ondo State government has said further escalation over the communal crisis at Ikare in Akoko North East of the state will attract arrest and dire consequences.
The State commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju in a statement tagged “ On Ikare, We Stand by Our Decision” said breaches and threat to peace, and security will NOT be tolerated.
It would be recalled that communal clashes broke out in the ancient town on Tuesday which necessitated the state government to declare a 24hours curfew on the community.
The curfew had since been relaxed and a committee set up to look into the cause(s) of the clash and proffer solutions.
THE STATEMENT:
On Ikare, We Stand by Our Decision
The crisis in Ikare-Akoko has resulted in loss of lives, livelihoods, and property. Such breaches and threat to peace, and security will NOT be tolerated. The fundamental function of government is the preservation of law and order. We take our responsibilities seriously, that is why the Governor of Ondo State Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, CON has taken the necessary steps, to restore order to Ikare without fear or favor. We know that it is within the rights of citizens to feel angry, frustrated or displeased by the acts of their fellow citizens or government. However, the right to feel angry does not include the right to act angry, or recourse to irrational, destructive violence. When such acts occur, the government of Ondo State will use every means within the law to restore order. That is non-negotiable.
It is preposterous to accuse the Governor, and, or the Amotekun Commander of bias because they refused to allow retaliation, reprisals and mass slaughter. In the words of those who seek to cause mayhem, as published in an online medium; “They insisted that the curfew imposed by the government to stop retaliation from Ikare people…” Arakunrin, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria understands, that the right to personal security is elemental to life and peaceful coexistence. He acted within his power. No weapon of Amotekun weapon was used in Ikare and the Amotekun Commander is not from the local government. We reiterate that the court of law is the appropriate place for citizens to air their grievances and seek redress. No one has the right to take the law in their own hands. Any, and all acts of violence will be met with force. We thank law abiding Ikare residents for their cooperation. We warn those who are intent in fomenting trouble to know that the government has spoken on the Ikare crisis. Further escalation will attract arrest and dire consequences.
Signed:
Bamidele Ademola-Olateju
Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation