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		<title>Nigeria’s terror ranking and ‘docile’ South West governors</title>
		<link>https://frontpageng.com/nigerias-terror-ranking-and-docile-south-west-governors/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[frontpageng]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 07:09:02 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Adeleke]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Boko Haram]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Buhari]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[south west]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://frontpageng.com/?p=105968</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The 2026 Global Terrorism Index report (GTI), released last week by the Institute for Economics &#038; Peace (IEP), shows that Nigeria experienced the largest year-on-year increase in terrorism-related deaths globally.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://frontpageng.com/nigerias-terror-ranking-and-docile-south-west-governors/">Nigeria’s terror ranking and ‘docile’ South West governors</a> appeared first on <a href="https://frontpageng.com">Frontpageng</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>By <strong>KAZEEM AKINTUNDE</strong></em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The 2026 Global Terrorism Index report (GTI), released last week by the Institute for Economics &amp; Peace (IEP), shows that Nigeria experienced the largest year-on-year increase in terrorism-related deaths globally. The surge propelled Nigeria to fourth place on the index, trailing only Pakistan, Burkina Faso, and Niger. In 2025, Nigeria was ranked sixth, while in 2024, we were eighth in the world.</p>
<p>Nigeria’s ascent in the rankings comes amid decade-long security crisis characterised by an escalation in terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings. The violence and associated deaths have taken a heavy toll on the nation’s security apparatus, with several senior military officers among those killed in recent operations. Despite the fact that the United States of America recently bombed terrorists’ hideout in Sokoto State and has sent a sizeable number of its troops to the country to train Nigeria’s security operatives, the terrorists seem to be daring America’s President Donald Trump by stepping up their criminal enterprise.</p>
<p>There is no denying the fact that Sub-Saharan Africa remains the global epicentre of terrorism, hosting six of the 10 most affected nations. In contrast, Western nations experienced a paradoxical trend. While global incidents decreased, fatalities in the West rose by a sharp 280%. This spike was primarily driven by political terrorism, anti-Semitism, and Islamophobia.</p>
<p>Nigeria recorded the largest increase in terrorism deaths globally in 2025, with fatalities rising by 46 per cent, from 513 in 2024 to 750. Africa’s most populous nation is grappling with a multifaceted security crisis, as extremist groups such as Boko Haram and its offshoots attempt to carve out control of swathes of territory. Various ethnic militia and other criminal elements, including ‘bandit’ groups, are also active, mostly in North and Central Nigeria. Newer threats from emerging terrorist groups like the Lakurawa are also emerging.</p>
<p>In February this year, 162 people were massacred in Kwara state, near the border with the Benin Republic. This was one of the deadliest single attacks in the country’s recent history. On Wednesday last week, the army said troops, backed by air support, repelled a coordinated assault by Islamist insurgents on a military base in the north-eastern state of Borno, killing at least 80 fighters, including senior commanders. The assault comes after multiple suicide bombings last week Monday in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, that killed at least 23 and left more than 100 wounded.</p>
<p>The report stated that the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram were responsible for most of the terror attacks in the country in 2025. Civilians were the most targeted group in 2025, accounting for 67 per cent of victims of the attacks, while the military accounted for 19 per cent.</p>
<p>Boko Haram was responsible for Nigeria’s second most lethal terrorist attack of the year. In May, armed militants raided the neighbouring villages of Mallam Karamti and Kwatandashi in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.</p>
<p>While Borno remains the epicentre of Nigeria’s terrorism crisis, accounting for more than two-thirds of all attacks and deaths in 2025, together, ISWAP and Boko Haram accounted for 80 per cent of all terrorism-related deaths in Nigeria in 2025. The report revealed that Lakurawa, a relatively new group that surfaced in 2024, recorded 10 attacks and 74 deaths in 2025. However, there has been a growing wave of insecurity across Nigeria’s South-West region, which has become a major source of concern for residents, community leaders, and security experts.</p>
<p>States such as Ondo, Oyo, Osun, and Ekiti, once considered relatively peaceful compared to other parts of the country, are now witnessing a disturbing rise in kidnappings, armed attacks, and killings.</p>
<p>In many rural communities and along major highways, residents now live in constant fear, as criminal gangs exploit forests and remote areas to carry out violent operations. The situation has heightened anxiety among farmers, travellers, and residents who increasingly feel unsafe in their own communities. Specifically, the region has seen a sharp rise in insecurity over the past two months, with 32 reported attacks across affected states.</p>
<p>In some communities, farmers have abandoned their farmlands, while travellers avoid certain roads for fear of falling victim to kidnappers. The violence has not spared community leaders and traditional institutions, as even traditional rulers have been targeted and murdered by armed attackers. Such incidents have further deepened the sense of insecurity across the region and raised serious concerns about the safety of lives and property.</p>
<p>Amid the growing crisis, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has raised alarm over what it described as the increasing influx of terrorists and bandits into the South-West from the northern part of the country.</p>
<p>Few days ago, the group warned that the region is gradually coming under pressure as criminal groups move into forests and border communities to establish operational bases for kidnappings and violent attacks. According to the organisation, the rising incidents of abduction and attacks on communities indicate a dangerous escalation of insecurity in the region.</p>
<p>But state governors in the South west are still behaving as if nothing is amiss. They issue press statements after any major attack to condemn the act and it ends there. Their docility may end up endangering the lives of millions of Nigerians if they continue to slumber. Agreed that some of them met with former President Muhammadu Buhari before they could establish the regional security network, the Amotekun. The then President Buhari still went ahead to decline to issue licenses to State Governors to purchase sophisticated weapons for the outfit. Will Amotekun operatives, armed with only dane guns be expected to face terrorists with sophisticated weapons?</p>
<p>Even with President Bola Tinubu in power, State Governors in the South west have not met with the President to canvass for more fire power for the security outfit. While Tinubu may have his style of dealing with the security challenges facing the country, the Governors should, as a call to duty, ensure that high calibre arms and ammunitions are bought for the group.</p>
<p>If the State Police now being championed by President Tinubu eventually comes to fruition, security apparatus in the South western states would be strengthened, with Amotekun providing the much needed man power support, while the newly established forest guards would take care of the bushes, which is being gradually taken over by armed terrorists.</p>
<p>The worsening security situation in the region has also sparked public outrage in several communities, particularly in Ondo State, where residents have staged protests against the rising wave of kidnappings. In Akure-North Local Government Area, angry youths and community members recently blocked a major highway to protest repeated attacks and abductions in their area. The protesters expressed frustration over the continued threat posed by armed criminals and called on the authorities to take urgent steps to protect residents.</p>
<p>Ondo State is reeling from a wave of insecurity, with kidnapping, terror attacks, and killings leaving residents in fear. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has vowed to tackle the menace, announcing measures like night-time motorcycle ban. Security forces have arrested over 160 suspects, but concerns persist, as ransom payments continue to fuel the crisis.</p>
<p>Recent attacks have also led to the closure of schools, as anxious parents rush to withdraw their children from areas deemed unsafe. The impact on farming communities has been particularly severe, with many abandoning their lands for fear of being attacked or kidnapped.</p>
<blockquote><p>Time for talk is over. What we desire is peace and the safety of all Nigerians where ever they may reside.</p></blockquote>
<p>Gunmen also recently invaded the community near Akure Airport and fired gunshots, throwing the community into panic and leading to the hurried closure of schools in the area. The development led to anxious parents rushing to schools to withdraw their children, as rumours of insecurity spread quickly across the communities.</p>
<p>In Osun State, border communities, especially those around Osun/Kwara borders, are living in fear. The fallout of insecurity in Kwara State is responsible for the situation. Villages that were known to be peaceful are now being attacked by terrorists. For example, unknown gunmen invaded Ora-Igbomina community recently, kidnapping residents on two different occasions.</p>
<p>The gunmen, whose identities were unknown during the first attack in January, kidnapped a retired customs officer, Emmanuel Owolabi, in Ifedayo Local Government Area of the state. The kidnapped victim was released after three weeks and payment of ransom to his kidnappers. Another resident, a farmer, was not so lucky, as he was killed.</p>
<p>In February this year, the men of the underworld returned to the same Ora community, located on the Osun-Kwara boundary, and kidnapped two residents, Tayese Adeyeye, and Sunday Adewumi. In view of these happenings, the state government held several security meetings, where it was agreed that the border security should be strengthened.</p>
<p>Governor Ademola Adeleke, after a Security Council meeting, said that his administration would work with all security operatives to tighten security at border towns to curb the spreading insecurity in Kwara State from affecting Osun.</p>
<p>Rising cases of insecurity, particularly kidnapping, have become a growing concern across parts of Oyo State, with residents of several communities expressing fears over their safety.</p>
<p>Areas considered most vulnerable include Oke-Ogun, Ibarapa, and some parts of Ogbomoso. Suspected criminal elements have reportedly taken advantage of isolated routes and forested areas to carry out abductions.</p>
<p>Ogun State has also had its fair share of insecurity with reported cases of kidnapping and banditry in some local communities. In Lagos, many known kidnappers and bandits have been seen in the state, “cool off” after major operations in the North. Again, local criminal elements have also “cashed in” by staging several kidnappings-for-ransom, although many of them were caught.</p>
<p>The six South west Governors met early this year to collaborate on strategies to nip the crisis in the bud. They spoke about establishing a Joint Surveillance and Monitoring Team to coordinate security operations across the region, specifically to address kidnapping and activities of criminal groups. They also spoke on deploying advanced technology, including aerial surveillance systems (drones) to monitor forests, which serve as kidnappers’ hideouts, while plans are afoot to launch a live digital intelligence-sharing platform for real-time exchange of threat alerts.</p>
<p>To fund the initiatives, a South West Security Fund (SWSF) is to be set up, funded by the states, to ensure steady financial resources for security patrols, equipment, and training, overseen by Special Advisers on Security from all the six states. Amotekun is also to be empowered to intensify patrols along vulnerable routes and in forests. There is a renewed emphasis on deploying dedicated Forest Guards to reclaim areas used for kidnapper hideouts.</p>
<p>On the influx of large numbers of people into the region which could lead to criminal infiltration, the Governors said that they would be tightening border monitoring, and also collaborating with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for better identification. It is time for them to fast track the implementation of these plans for the safety of the region. Time for talk is over. What we desire is peace and the safety of all Nigerians where ever they may reside.</p>
<p>See you next week.</p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://frontpageng.com/nigerias-terror-ranking-and-docile-south-west-governors/">Nigeria’s terror ranking and ‘docile’ South West governors</a> appeared first on <a href="https://frontpageng.com">Frontpageng</a>.</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">105968</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>COAS to troops: Go after bandits, criminals in South-West</title>
		<link>https://frontpageng.com/coas-to-troops-go-after-bandits-criminals-in-south-west/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Agency Report]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 13:04:12 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[coas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nigerian army]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shaibu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[south west]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://frontpageng.com/?p=103060</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops of the 2 Division, Nigerian Army, to intensify operations and flush out bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://frontpageng.com/coas-to-troops-go-after-bandits-criminals-in-south-west/">COAS to troops: Go after bandits, criminals in South-West</a> appeared first on <a href="https://frontpageng.com">Frontpageng</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops of the 2 Division, Nigerian Army, to intensify operations and flush out bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements operating within its area of responsibility.</p>
<p>Shaibu gave the charge on Monday while addressing officers and soldiers at Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan, during his maiden operational visit to the formation.</p>
<p>The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja.</p>
<p>He commended the troops for their resilience, professionalism and operational effectiveness in tackling banditry, kidnapping and other crimes, describing their efforts as reassuring to law-abiding citizens.</p>
<p>“I have been fully briefed on your operations and the successes recorded so far.</p>
<p>“I commend you for your commitment and urge you to sustain the tempo,” he said.</p>
<p>The COAS directed the troops to take the fight to criminal hideouts, stressing that no location must be considered inaccessible.</p>
<p>“Go after them in the bushes, forests and wherever they are hiding.</p>
<p>“Ensure that we reduce these criminal activities to the barest minimum and restore safety across your area of responsibility,” he added.</p>
<p>Shaibu reiterated that the protection of lives and property remained the core mandate of the Nigerian Army, assuring Nigerians that criminal elements would not be allowed any safe haven.</p>
<p>He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to troops’ welfare, announcing the approval of renovations and construction of additional accommodation within the barracks to ease housing pressure.</p>
<p>According to him, high morale is critical to operational success, adding that welfare would continue to receive priority attention.</p>
<p>He urged the troops to properly maintain existing facilities while remaining disciplined, professional and mission-focused in the discharge of their duties.</p>
<p>The visit featured operational briefings and interactions with officers and soldiers of the Division.</p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://frontpageng.com/coas-to-troops-go-after-bandits-criminals-in-south-west/">COAS to troops: Go after bandits, criminals in South-West</a> appeared first on <a href="https://frontpageng.com">Frontpageng</a>.</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">103060</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Insecurity: South West governors strategise, unveil counter-plans</title>
		<link>https://frontpageng.com/insecurity-south-west-governors-strategise-unveil-counter-plans/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[David Adenekan]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 09:26:46 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dawn]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[south west]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[swdc]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://frontpageng.com/?p=102223</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Governors of the South West states of Nigeria rose from a meeting held in Ibadan on Monday with the decision to set up a South West Regional Security Fund</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://frontpageng.com/insecurity-south-west-governors-strategise-unveil-counter-plans/">Insecurity: South West governors strategise, unveil counter-plans</a> appeared first on <a href="https://frontpageng.com">Frontpageng</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Governors of the South West states of Nigeria rose from a meeting held in Ibadan on Monday with the decision to set up a South West Regional Security Fund, SWSF, as one of the steps to tackle the growing state of insecurity in the country.</p>
<p>The decision is contained in a communique issued at the end of their meeting.</p>
<p>The governors who operate under the aegis of the South West Governors’ Forum are those of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo states.</p>
<p>The fund, it was agreed would be under the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, DAWN, Commission and to be administered by Forum of Special Advisers on Security of all South West States and which would meet monthly.</p>
<p>Further, the governors agreed to set up a Joint Security Intelligence Sharing and Communication Platform.</p>
<p>According to them, the forum will also establish a live, digital intelligence-sharing platform among all six South West states (Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti).</p>
<p>With that, they said, they would exchange threat notifications, incident logs, traveller and cargo alerts and coordinate state-to- state rapid response.</p>
<p>The governors also expressed the need for an enhanced forest surveillance across the South West states.</p>
<p>“Forest Surveillance: the Forum commends the efforts of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Hunters, Amotekun Corps Members and all the other security agencies. The Forum calls on the Federal Government to note the urgent need for enhanced forest surveillance across the South West States and called for the Federal Government to secure the vast forest belts that have become hideouts for criminal elements. To this end, the Forum agrees that the Federal Government should help deploy Forest Guards across the South west states, with each State Government responsible for providing the required personnel,” the communique reads in part.</p>
<p>The governors reaffirmed their collective commitment to reclaiming the forests, and ensuring that the spaces no longer served as safe-corridors for banditry, kidnapping, or any form of criminal activities.</p>
<p>On interstate migration, the governors expressed deep concern on the unregulated interstate migration that continues to pose significant challenges across the Southwest.</p>
<p>They called for stricter border monitoring, data collection and self-identification and each South west states to work with the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, for proper identification.</p>
<p>The governors agreed to intensify security collaboration to ensure that interstate migration did not become a conduit for insecurity.</p>
<p>On State Police, the governors reaffirmed their support for the establishment of State Police, emphasizing that ‘The Time is Now’ and it could no longer be delayed.</p>
<p>They also spoke on illegal mining.</p>
<p>The communique reads in part: “The forum expresses deep concern over the escalating illegal mining activities across the South West States, which continue to threaten environmental safety, public health and regional security.</p>
<p>“The forum calls for comprehensive and enforceable licensing framework, strengthened monitoring mechanisms, and strict enforcement actions against violators who may perpetrate violent crimes under the guise of mining.”</p>
<p>While acknowledging and appreciating the efforts of the federal government in providing food sufficiency, they also commended the various farmers in the region for the increase in agricultural output and subsequent stability and reduction in food prices.</p>
<p>The governors expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the establishment of the South West Development Commission, SWDC, and charged the commission to effectively deliver on its mandate.</p>
<p>They also commended the DAWN Commission and its activities on regional integration and security.</p>
<p>“Finally, the forum enjoins all the south west people to remain united and committed to the peace that exists in our dear region. We remain one, indivisible entity that will continue to enjoy and guard the religious tolerance that we have always been known for,” the communique reads in part.</p>
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<p><strong><a class="row-title" href="https://frontpageng.com/i-wont-relent-in-ensuring-security-of-nigeria-its-people-tinubu/" aria-label="“I won’t relent in ensuring security of Nigeria, its people –Tinubu” (Edit)"><em>I won’t relent in ensuring security of Nigeria, its people –Tinubu</em></a></strong></p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://frontpageng.com/insecurity-south-west-governors-strategise-unveil-counter-plans/">Insecurity: South West governors strategise, unveil counter-plans</a> appeared first on <a href="https://frontpageng.com">Frontpageng</a>.</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">102223</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>South-West: Still on the Sharia controversy</title>
		<link>https://frontpageng.com/south-west-still-on-the-sharia-controversy/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[frontpageng]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 16 Feb 2025 14:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[My view]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Religion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lasisi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[oloyede]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sharia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[south west]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://frontpageng.com/?p=92382</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>By BOLANLE BOLAWOLE &#160; “When Muslims are in power, we are out of power. And when we are out of power, we are completely out of power” &#8211; Professor Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede, as quoted in a “Press Statement/Release at the World Press Conference organised by Concerned Yoruba Muslim Scholars in Nigeria in affiliation with the [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://frontpageng.com/south-west-still-on-the-sharia-controversy/">South-West: Still on the Sharia controversy</a> appeared first on <a href="https://frontpageng.com">Frontpageng</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>By <strong>BOLANLE BOLAWOLE</strong></em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>“When Muslims are in power, we are out of power. And when we are out of power, we are completely out of power” &#8211; Professor Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede, as quoted in a “Press Statement/Release at the World Press Conference organised by Concerned Yoruba Muslim Scholars in Nigeria in affiliation with the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria held at (the) Arisekola Mosque, Ibadan (on) Tuesday, 11th February, 2025.”</p>
<p>When one had thought that Saturday Tribune editor, Lasisi Olagunju&#8217;s &#8220;Are Yoruba Muslims truly marginalised?” had adequately answered all questions and doused the fire of the clamour for Northern Nigeria-fashion Sharia in the South-west, the dying embers were stoked again from unexpected quarters. Professor Is-haq Oloyede, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and Secretary-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) joined the fray.</p>
<p>Permit me to call you by your first name: Lasisi, my brother and professional colleague, started his piece this way: “Each time we hear or read outsiders say they are fighting for Yoruba Muslims, some of us (Yoruba Muslims) laugh. Who told them that we cannot fight for ourselves- if there is a war” Abi o! Why will serious-minded Yoruba Muslims even not laugh when we realise that those “outsiders” ostensibly and purportedly fighting for Yoruba Muslims look down on the same Yoruba Muslims and do not accept them as “true” Muslims?</p>
<p>Do they think we are not aware that they call Yoruba Muslims “kafirs”, and treat them as second-class Muslims? Will a Yoruba Muslim ever become President of the Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (in existence since 1973)? That seat is reserved in perpetuity for whoever is the Sultan of Sokoto &#8211; whoever! And he must be Fulani! The best a Yoruba Muslim can become is Deputy President-General (South), which can go anywhere in the South. The Deputy President-General (North) is reserved in perpetuity for whoever is the Shehu of Borno.</p>
<p>The NSCIA’s national secretariat, headquartered in Abuja, is headed by the Secretary-General. Its first Secretary-General was Ibrahim Dasuki, who later became the Sultan. The current Secretary-General is Oloyede. Before him was Dr. Lateef Oladimeji Adegbite. At the time he succeeded Adegbite in May 2013, Oloyede was the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin and Secretary of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NAREC).</p>
<p>The meat of Lasisi’s piece is that Sharia had always been available to Yoruba Muslims. His exact words: “The present cries and announcements are very unnecessary. Sharia never left Yorubaland. Our fathers called it ‘seria’. It has evolved, adapted procedures in deft accommodation of its environment and social realities. Yoruba Muslim families who desire it still conduct their private affairs in accordance with Sharia without disturbing their neighbours”</p>
<p>Lasisi is dead right. I remember my grandmother who raised me, a devout Muslim, always using the statement “Won da seria fun”; that is, the errant was punished according to extant (Sharia) laws. My dad and uncle were Muslims and they, too, always used the word “seria” to mean punishment. Those demanding for what we have always had, and which is still very much available, have other motives. They have a hidden agenda.</p>
<p>To further corroborate Lasisi, my younger brother, a devout Muslim, had issues with his first son a few years ago. A family meeting was summoned, to which Muslim alfas versed in Islamic laws were invited. At the meeting, both father and son agreed to be judged by Sharia law. Each stated his case and the alfas used Sharia to counsel and to apportion blame. Those of us family members who were not Muslms only acted as observers.</p>
<p>Let me quote Lasisi a little bit more: “A quiet Sharia panel has been sitting for decades at Oja’ba, Ibadan. There is another one in Osogbo. I suspect that other major Yoruba towns have them. They adjudicate on marriage and marital issues; they arbitrate disputes among Muslims. They do their thing without noise and drama and excesses. Every willing Muslim who goes there loves what the panels do and how they do it. The respective state governments are aware of their existence but they do not disturb them.</p>
<p>&#8220;At the compound and family levels, check out what we do with Muslim weddings, burials, administration of estates and inheritance matters, etc. Those who want more than this should be bold to say what exactly they want. They want hisbah, moral police on the streets of Ibadan, Abeokuta and Akure? They want a Yoruba Bello Buba Jangede who would be amputated for stealing a goat while big men who steal roads and bridges hold court? Anyone who wants the Kano, Zamfara kind of Sharia in 2025 Western Nigeria needs counselling.”</p>
<p>They need more than counselling! Like Lasisi said, Sharia operates among Yoruba Muslims already. My own father died a Muslim and we buried him according to Islamic rites. The alfas presided and those of us who were not Muslims tagged along. I just told you my kid brother settled issues with his first son before a Sharia panel that sat right here in Lagos.</p>
<p>The son of my immediate younger brother married at the Asese axis of Ogun state last month according to Islamic injunctions (Nikkai). I had my purse filled with brand new notes ready for when they would ask for dowry and what-not, but that was not to be. When the Imam directing affairs asked for the dowry, my brother’s son started reciting the Quran. My kid brother leaned towards me and said it was accepted in Islam in lieu of cash as dowry for as long as the bride accepts it. That&#8217;s sharia in action and no one stopped them!</p>
<p>Religion is a personal affair between man and God. State intervention as we have it in Nigeria today is not only absolutely unnecessary, it is such interference that creates religious crises; and that is what those advocating for the Northern-Nigeria type of Sharia surreptitiously seek to foist on the South-west noted for its commendable age-long religious tolerance and harmony among the religious and non-religious groups in the region.</p>
<blockquote><p>When one had thought that Saturday Tribune editor, Lasisi Olagunju&#8217;s &#8220;Are Yoruba Muslims truly marginalised?” had adequately answered all questions and doused the fire of the clamour for Northern Nigeria-fashion Sharia in the South-west, the dying embers were stoked again from unexpected quarters. Professor Is-haq Oloyede, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and Secretary-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) joined the fray.</p></blockquote>
<p>Honestly, I thought Lasisi had adequately answered all questions raised by the South-west pro-Sharia army until I read the so-called “Southern Muslim Scholars/Masses”. They said with the support of their Muslim “Northern brothers”, they ensured that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu won the 2023 presidential election despite the Christians’ opposition to Muslim/Muslim ticket! So the Christians contributed nothing, abi? So only the Muslims made Tinubu president; and they must fill all available offices? Where is their sense of justice, equity, and fairness?  After Muhammadu Buhari’s harrowing eight years when Fulani Muslims monopolised virtually all important government positions?</p>
<p><strong><em>READ ALSO:</em> <a class="row-title" href="https://frontpageng.com/adebanjo-isola-mourns-says-his-death-signifies-end-of-an-era/" aria-label="“Adebanjo: Isola mourns, says his death signifies end of an era” (Edit)">Adebanjo: Isola mourns, says his death signifies end of an era</a></strong></p>
<p>It baffles me that any South-west Muslim can be insensitive to the way their faith is derided and ridiculed by their “brothers” from the North. Some “brothers”! Not only that, the Southern Muslim scholars were selective in the Tinubu appointments they flaunted to demonstrate that South-west Muslims were marginalised in the scheme of things. Again, I beseech you to read Lasisi as his piece had already punctured their puerile arguments with facts and figures.</p>
<p>For anyone with an understanding of how Government functions, there is more to Harold Laski’s “Who gets what, when, how” than who occupies this or that office. What office did Isa Sumaila Funtua occupy in the Buhari administration when the CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, grovelled before him? What of Mamman Daura, the celebrated power behind Buhari’s throne? And what of Tunde Sabiu? Most times, those who determine things are not those in the offices that we see; who, often, are just like Front Desk officers in a hotel reception room.</p>
<p>Oloyede posits that Muslims in the South-west have been under psychological torment because of the absence of Sharia courts. He was also quoted as saying that agitations for Sharia in the region should not be discountenanced for peace to reign. I sincerely hope he was misquoted or was quoted out of context. So, if the agitation for Sharia is not acceded to, there will be no peace, abi? The notion that only some people have the monopoly of violence should be discarded. We should not allow push to become shoving before we realise that violence is not anybody&#8217;s exclusive preserve!</p>
<p>Oloyede, a professor of Islamic Studies, agrees with Lasisi that Sharia panels have been in existence in the South-west since time immemorial. His words: “Recently, people were talking about Sharia panels in the South-west and I was just smiling; I was smiling that I had never seen that level of ignorance being displayed. In Oyo state, somebody did a Ph. D. thesis on (Sharia panel) in 2007, which means it had been there before 2007…” So, if there are enduring Sharia panels in the South-west, why, then, is the latest hullabaloo about the same Sharia?</p>
<p>I think the problem is that some Muslims want Government-established Sharia courts because they are tired of subjecting themselves to the same customary and high courts that Christians subject themselves to without raising an eyebrow. Let us note that by virtue of colonialism, the common laws of England, not Christian laws, operate in our court system; our courts are, therefore, not Christian courts as is being erroneously propagated. If they are, why do we have Muslims operating in them and dispensing justice? How many Christians operate on Sharia panels and in Sharia courts?</p>
<p>Looked at closely, Muslims have an advantage that Christians do not even have. Any Muslim desiring Sharia law has the Sharia panels all over the place. They also have the liberty to move to where Sharia courts are available. Christians have no such privilege because there are no Ecclesiastical/Christian panels or courts operating anywhere in the country. Sharia is enshrined in our constitution whereas Christian laws are not. Do the Muslims think Christians are happy with that?</p>
<p>Today, the Chief Justice of the Federation (Kudirat Kekere-Ekun) is a Muslim. The one before her (Olukayode Ariwoola) and the one before that one (Ibrahim Muhammed Tanko) were also Muslims. The only Christian (Walter Onnoghen, 2017 &#8211; 2019) was hurried out of office by Buhari. Not less than 12 of the 17 Nigerian indigenous CJN’s have been Muslims. Perhaps, there are more Muslims and non-Christian judges presiding at all levels of our court system &#8211;  customary, high court, court of appeal, and the supreme court &#8211; dispensing justice or its semblance to Christians.</p>
<p>And since Independence (October 1st, 1960), Muslims have ruled this country more than Christians: 10 Muslims, approximately 39 years; against 6 Christians, approximately 26 years); and if Muslims anywhere have perpetually been marginalised like Oloyede posits in the opening quotation, whose fault? Don’t forget that Muslims also claim to hold the advantage of population over Christians.</p>
<p>Says apostle Paul to Christians in 1 Corinthians 6:1- 7: “Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? And if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? How much more things that pertain to this life? …I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? No, no one that shall be able to judge between his brethren? But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers. Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because you go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? Why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?”</p>
<p>Very strong admonitions! So, the situation of Christians under the prevailing circumstances is even more precarious than that of the Muslims. Christians are the ones more defrauded. They are the ones undergoing real psychological trauma. They are the ones keeping quiet just to give peace a chance. Perhaps the time has come, and the hour is now, when Christians should demand for Ecclesiastical courts to adjudicate cases between Christians and Christians!</p>
<p><strong><em>*Bolawole (turnpot@gmail.com 0807 552 5533), former Editor of PUNCH newspapers, Chairman of its Editorial Board and Deputy Editor-in-chief, was also the Managing Director/ Editor-in-chief of the Westerner newsmagazine. He writes the “ON THE LORD’S DAY” column in the Sunday Tribune and “TREASURES” column in the New Telegraph newspapers. He is also a public affairs analyst on radio and television.</em></strong></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://frontpageng.com/south-west-still-on-the-sharia-controversy/">South-West: Still on the Sharia controversy</a> appeared first on <a href="https://frontpageng.com">Frontpageng</a>.</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">92382</post-id>	</item>
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		<title>South West governors speak on Tinubu’s reforms, security, others</title>
		<link>https://frontpageng.com/south-west-governors-speak-on-tinubus-reforms-security-others/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[David Adenekan]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 14 Feb 2025 05:47:56 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Adeleke]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[aiyedatiwa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dapo abiodun]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nigeria]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[oyebamiji]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sanwo-Olu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[south west]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tinubu]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://frontpageng.com/?p=92296</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>South West governors speak on Tinubu’s reforms, security, others</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://frontpageng.com/south-west-governors-speak-on-tinubus-reforms-security-others/">South West governors speak on Tinubu’s reforms, security, others</a> appeared first on <a href="https://frontpageng.com">Frontpageng</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>An appraisal of the reforms being undertaken by the federal government to reposition the country has earned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a vote of confidence.</p>
<p>The six governors in the South West part of Nigeria gave the president a pat on the back, noting that the country had returned to the path of economic stability as a result of the outcome of the economic reforms.</p>
<p>This is part of the 11-point communique issued after the South West Governors’ Forum met in Lagos on Thursday.</p>
<p>The meeting, presided over by the Forum’s chairman, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was held at the State House in Alausa, Ikeja, and lasted more than four hours.</p>
<p>In attendance were Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Biodun Oyebamiji (Ekiti), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Ademola Adeleke (Osun).</p>
<p>Besides, the South West governors resolved to establish a Joint Surveillance and Monitoring Team to coordinate security operations across the region.</p>
<p>The move, they said, was a direct response to the emerging threats of Islamic State&#8217;s West Africa Province, ISWAP, and other criminal groups whose activities are inimical to the peace and stability of the Southwest.</p>
<p>Sanwo-Olu, while reading the communique, said the governors unanimously passed a confidence vote on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the economic stability and improvements recorded across the nation, particularly in the sustained supply and distribution of petroleum products and the stabilisation of the exchange rate.</p>
<p>The Forum applauded the Tinubu-led administration for the successful implementation of the student loan scheme through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, pointing out that the scheme had benefitted students in tertiary institutions.</p>
<p>Sanwo-Olu said: “The Forum commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the economic stability and improvements recorded across the nation, particularly in the sustained supply and distribution of petroleum products and the stabilisation of the exchange rate. The Forum urges citizens to continue supporting the president’s efforts to strengthen the economy and improve the overall well-being of Nigerians.</p>
<p>“We also applaud the federal government for the successful implementation of the Student Loan Scheme under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has benefitted South West students in tertiary institutions. It encourages all eligible students in the region to take full advantage of this initiative to access higher education, vocational training, and skills acquisition programmes.”</p>
<p>The Forum commended the member states for regional efforts to foster peace and security, but called for more vigilance to proactively address the potential threat posed by subversive activities of criminal groups bent on causing instability in the region.</p>
<p>Sanwo-Olu said the Forum remained committed to taking necessary measures to counter any form of threats that could threaten peace in the region.</p>
<p>The communique reads in part: “The Forum commends the South West Governors for maintaining relative peace and security in the region, particularly during the recent festive period. It calls on all States to continue fostering peaceful coexistence among member States. Acknowledging the threat posed by ISWAP activities in parts of the South West, the Forum strongly condemns any threat to the region’s security. It encourages enhanced collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and local security outfits, urging them to remain vigilant. The Forum also commits to taking necessary actions to counter these threats.</p>
<p>READ ALSO: <strong><a class="row-title" href="https://frontpageng.com/customs-handovers-over-seized-3897-riffles-cartridges-to-nccosalw/" aria-label="“Customs hands over seized 3,897 rifles, cartridges to NCCOSALW” (Edit)">Customs hands over seized 3,897 rifles, cartridges to NCCOSALW</a></strong></p>
<p>“The Forum agreed to establish a Joint Surveillance and Monitoring Team, which will oversee and coordinate security across the region. As part of the resolution, the Forum has committed to deploy advanced technology, including area surveillance system that will enhance security operations. The Governors resolved that our Special Advisers on Security will collaborate on intelligence gathering and share valuable intelligence to State security agencies, local security networks, and federal law enforcement authorities operating within the South West.”</p>
<p>The South West Governors also discussed measures to enhance food adequacy and curbing activities disrupting the food supplies within the region.</p>
<p>The Forum frowned at unscrupulous practices of middlemen in the food supply chain, which, they said, were responsible for inflated food prices and artificial scarcity.</p>
<p>The Forum agreed to implement the State Food Inflation Joint Monitoring Team to collectively address sabotage and other related issues leading to arbitrary increase in food prices.</p>
<p>Sanwo-Olu said: “The Forum expresses concern over the activities of unscrupulous middlemen who deliberately inflate prices of goods and commodities in South West markets. It has, therefore, agreed to establish a State Food Inflation Joint Monitoring Team and also the establishment of Aggregation Centre and Food Hubs to foster inter-state collaboration and mitigate food inflation.”</p>
<p>The governors hailed the federal government and the Senate for the creation of South West Development Commission, SWDC; the Forum unanimously chose Cocoa House in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, as operational headquarters of the commission.</p>
<p>They expressed their confidence in the efforts of Odu’a Investment Company Limited in efficiently managing joint assets of the South West region over the past five years.</p>
<p>While applauding the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, DAWN, Commission for its improved performance over the past 12 months, the Forum urged the Commission to strengthen its working relationship with the region’s Commissioners for Agriculture on industrialisation and infrastructural development across the region.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://frontpageng.com/south-west-governors-speak-on-tinubus-reforms-security-others/">South West governors speak on Tinubu’s reforms, security, others</a> appeared first on <a href="https://frontpageng.com">Frontpageng</a>.</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">92296</post-id>	</item>
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		<title>Implications of rumblings in the South-West (2)</title>
		<link>https://frontpageng.com/implications-of-rumblings-in-the-south-west-2/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[frontpageng]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 09 Feb 2025 11:28:59 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[My view]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[abiodun]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Adeleke]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[makinde]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[south west]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://frontpageng.com/?p=92074</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Implications of rumblings in the South-West </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://frontpageng.com/implications-of-rumblings-in-the-south-west-2/">Implications of rumblings in the South-West (2)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://frontpageng.com">Frontpageng</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>By</em> <strong><em>BOLANLE BOLAWOLE</em></strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>My people have a saying, to wit, what is rumbling in the bush is coming to the main road; so, wait for it there! And not just wait for it, prepare a net to catch it! Otherwise, if you allow it to come upon you unprepared, you will be done for! Last week, we highlighted on this page three inter-related criminal activities with the same motive of destabilising and unhinging the South-west before the 2027 General Elections.</p>
<p>These are the clamour for the introduction of destructive and disruptive political Sharia in the South-west by elements who, regardless of any flowery language employed, do not mean well for the region and its people; the influx of bandits, Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists into the region; and the upsurge in the activities of cultists and kidnappers, thereby rolling back the successes against insecurity that the region’s political leaders had achieved through blood and sweat with the introduction of the Amotekun security outfit, snatched at great costs from the jaws of Fulani cabal’s strident opposition during the Muhammadu Buhari administration.</p>
<p>There must be a reason for all of this for, as they say, there is no smoke without a fire.  Someone said to me it is all about unseating the sitting President in 2027.</p>
<p>I have no issue at all with anyone being seated or unseated; political offices in a democracy are not for life but are tenure-barred. Even autocrats, dictators, and sight-tight leaders get removed from office by one cause or the other. And we have seen enough of the evils of military rule never to wish such upon ourselves again. In the same manner, I do not wish upon the South-west the destruction and bestiality being witnessed in some parts of the country &#8211; the North and East especially.</p>
<p>Mercifully, knowledgeable opinion moulders from the South-west have been quick to take the wind off the sail of the few rabble rousers stoking the fire and fanning the embers of political Sharia. State governors of the region had also been quick to act. Declaring quite emphatically that there is “no place for Sharia in Ogun State”, the governor, Dapo Abiodun, warned the agent provocateurs that their ill-conceived and ill-motivated action would amount to illegality &#8211; for which there would be a penalty.</p>
<p>Ekiti State governor, Biodun Oyebanji (aka BAO), warned against “activities that may negatively affect the State government’s policy of peaceful co-existence… and hinder the prevailing peace and fester hostility in the State”. In saying that, he hit the nail right on the head! Oyebanji left the malevolent promoters of political Sharia in the South-west in no doubt that he, as the Chief Security Officer of Ekiti state, would not “hesitate to invoke the full weight of the law to protect the Constitution of the Federation and maintain peaceful co-existence in the state”.</p>
<p><strong><em>READ ALSO:</em> <a class="row-title" href="https://frontpageng.com/cdwr-to-kaduna-electric-reinstate-sacked-workers-or-face-mass-action/" aria-label="“CDWR to Kaduna Electric: Reinstate sacked workers or face mass action” (Edit)">CDWR to Kaduna Electric: Reinstate sacked workers or face mass action</a></strong></p>
<p>In Oyo state where the brouhaha over political Sharia first emanated (in Oyo town to be specific), Gov. Seyi Makinde read the Riots Act to the proponents in a broadcast. He was quoted as saying:  “About the establishment of Sharia Court in Oyo town, people may try, but for us, I swore to uphold our laws and the Constitution of Nigeria. If their actions are within the law, fine. If not, they should expect that I will insist the law must be followed.”</p>
<p>Of course, no law backs their decision to fish in troubled waters. So, tails between their legs, the trouble-makers backtracked in the face of the law. What it means is that they were only testing the waters and flying kites. The question we must ask ourselves is: What are the benefits of Sharia in the places where it is in operation that recommends it to the misguided elements promoting it in the South-west?</p>
<p>Sharia in the Muslim North is only for the poor and downtrodden. They are the ones that have their limbs amputated; after which they are offloaded &#8211; or they offload themselves &#8211; on the South where they come begging for alms. Were Sharia to be effectively and uniformly applied in the Muslim North, I make bold to say that many of their influential and powerful men and women &#8211; yes, even women! &#8211; would long have had their limbs severed!</p>
<p>With Sharia, the North is the poverty capital of the world. With Sharia, they are the most educationally backward sections of the country. With Sharia, they are the section of the country ravaged by VVF (Vesico Vaginal Fistula). With Sharia, they are the harbingers of <em>almajiris</em>. With Sharia, some of the humongous pen-robberies ever witnessed in this country have been traced to them!</p>
<p>What are the benefits of Sharia to the Muslim North that some South-westerners want us to also enjoy? Backwardness in all its ramifications? Elections are rigged as blatantly in the Muslim North as they are in other parts of the country. The bloodletting in that part of the country in the name of religion surpasses what was witnessed during the country’s civil war. So, what is the good thing that Sharia, as enforced in the North, has wrought to make some people thirst for it like David longed for water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem (2 Samuel 23: 15)?</p>
<p>Anway, the Constitution, Section 41 (1), guarantees to every Nigerian the freedom of movement; so, lovers of Sharia can relocate to where Sharia is in operation and enjoy it to the hilt without endangering the peace and tranquility of other Nigerians. Fortunately, many of the South-westerners advocating for Sharia are men of means and can easily relocate to states where Sharia of their choice is in operation. It is trite that one man’s rights stop where those of another start.</p>
<p>Next is the reported invasion of the South-west’s forests by terrorists and bandits moving (or fleeing, as they say) from the North. But why should the South-west be their destination of choice? Is it because the South-west is seen as the least weaponised section of the country and, therefore, the most vulnerable? Or has it something to do with the political permutations by those who, less than two years out of power, have become so irascible and desperate to have “their” power back, willy-nilly?</p>
<p>Whichever is the case, and whatever other reasons may account for the recent upsurge in this invasion must be tackled head-on. No one leaves fire on his roof and goes to bed. Gov. Makinde first raised the alarm early in the new year when he said he got an intelligence report that “during my birthday retreat, bandits had camped less than two kilometres from where I was staying. This underscores the seriousness of the situation”. Yes it does! It is better imagined than felt what would have happened had the bandits struck! This is the same Makinde who, a fortnight thereafter, lost his elder brother! My condolences, Your Excellency!</p>
<p>In response, OPC leader, Gani Adams, has spit fire, warning that the South-west would be too hot for “terrorists and members of ISWAP” to hibernate or carry out their criminal activities. He added that OPC and other private security networks, including the traditional or local hunters, awaited the government’s support and mobilisation to get cracking. I counsel that all hands must be on the deck.</p>
<p>Again, in response, the Amotekun Corps mobilised over 2000 personnel to comb South-west forests and flush out the criminal elements hibernating there. The three governors earlier mentioned (Oyebanji of Ekiti; Abiodun of Ogun; Makinde of Oyo) and their Osun state counterpart, Gov. Adeleke have been upbeat about strengthening Amotekun to become more alive to their responsibility of tackling the menace.</p>
<p>Is there anyone who doubts the security reports that South-west forests are awash with bandits and terrorists? Recent upsurge in kidnappings and other criminal activities in the region provide abundant evidence. Only last week, 10 travellers were reportedly kidnapped in the Owo axis of Ondo State. In fact, Owo and its environs have become a danger zone, being a fertile ground for cross-border kidnappers who have made life unbearable for the people. Something urgent must be done.</p>
<p>As if that was not enough headache, cultists painted the ancient town red last month, killing, maiming and destroying life and property. In response, the state government clamped a dusk-to-dawn curfew on the town; it is yet to lift it. In response, the Olowo of Owo led his chiefs to place a curse on the cultists, their supporters and sponsors. As good as these initiatives are, they can only be temporary measures.</p>
<blockquote><p>Whichever is the case, and whatever other reasons may account for the recent upsurge in this invasion must be tackled head-on. No one leaves fire on his roof and goes to bed.</p></blockquote>
<p>In the entire South-west today, and not in Owo or Ondo state alone, cultism &#8211; and youth restiveness &#8211; has become a ticking time bomb. And the reasons for these are not far to fetch. A new debased culture &#8211; the “jeun s’oko” culture &#8211; the breeding ground of area boys and girls, area fathers and their ‘alright, sir’ foot soldiers &#8211; grew steadily and stealthily with the new political leadership of the South-west since the 2000s, trampling the Yoruba “Omoluabi” culture of old.</p>
<p>Politics of primitive capitalist accumulation and of obscene display of ill-gotten wealth has become the order of the day. If you can’t beat them, joining them has become the credo. The JAPA syndrome used to afford everyone an escape route but with Donald Trump and the wave of anti-immigration rhetorics and actions sweeping across the United States and Europe, the slamming in our face of this window of opportunity for those anxious to escape the hellhole that Nigeria has become will exacerbate the desperation of our people.</p>
<p>Take the statistics and you will find that the South-west has far more of its population in the Diaspora than any other part of the country. Therefore, the South-west will suffer more now that the JAPA opportunity is receding.</p>
<p>If we fail to prepare a net for the rumblings in the South-West and other eventualities staring the region in the face, we will have ourselves to blame. The time to act is now!</p>
<p><strong>FEEDBACK</strong></p>
<p><strong><em>Implications of rumblings in the South-west (1)</em></strong></p>
<p><em>If we must critically debate the subject of obaship in Yoruba land, my question is, are there still obas in the land? They have no voice except to do the bidding of the politicians who enthrone them and pay their salaries. It is in Yoruba land that an oba will stand to his feet to address a politician while the politician is seated! They neglect to speak Yoruba language but English. Secondly, Wasiu became relevant through the benevolence of Tinubu; can you, therefore, blame him (for his misdemeanour?). Thirdly, the Afenifere lost direction a long time ago. Imagine the Afenifere of Pa Adebanjo coming out boldly to support Peter Obi against their very own! The Afenifere of Awolowo was rooted in “Yoruba first” before anything else. I look forward to reading your piece on the Omoluwabi kite that Aregbesola is flying! &#8211; <strong>Pastor Jube Olawale.</strong></em></p>
<p><em>This topic is akin to reggae legend Bob Marley’s “So much trouble…” So much trouble indeed but I am much more interested in the three-pronged attack seeking to unhinge the South-west before 2027, most especially the Aregbesola- Alimosho-Obasa-Agege factors. Sir, the two guys you mentioned have reached the pinnacle of their political careers and have started fading away. The first acid test of this will be the local government election coming up before 2027. <strong>-Palcorub.   </strong></em></p>
<p><strong><em>*Bolawole (turnpot@gmail.com 0807 552 5533), former Editor of PUNCH newspapers, Chairman of its Editorial Board and Deputy Editor-in-chief, was also the Managing Director/ Editor-in-chief of the Westerner newsmagazine. He writes the “ON THE LORD’S DAY” column in the Sunday Tribune and “TREASURES” column in the New Telegraph newspapers. He is also a public affairs analyst on radio and television.</em></strong></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://frontpageng.com/implications-of-rumblings-in-the-south-west-2/">Implications of rumblings in the South-West (2)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://frontpageng.com">Frontpageng</a>.</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">92074</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>OPC to S’West govs: Let’s deal with terrorists camping in our land</title>
		<link>https://frontpageng.com/opc-to-swest-govs-lets-deal-with-terrorists-camping-in-our-land/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[David Adenekan]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 12 Jan 2025 16:01:13 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[makinde]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[opc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[south west]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tinubu]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://frontpageng.com/?p=91157</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>OPC wants South West governors to do everything possible to deal with terrorists camping in Yorubaland.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://frontpageng.com/opc-to-swest-govs-lets-deal-with-terrorists-camping-in-our-land/">OPC to S’West govs: Let’s deal with terrorists camping in our land</a> appeared first on <a href="https://frontpageng.com">Frontpageng</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, has urged all the six governors of the South-West to treat as a security emergency the building of camps inside Yoruba forests by insurgents and terrorists fleeing from the North.</p>
<p>The call was made on Sunday by the president of OPC, Otunba Wasiu Afolabi (alias Askari), in a press statement issued.</p>
<p>This as the group has offered to help security agencies tackle the danger.</p>
<p>“These foreign Fulani terrorists have always said that after conquering the North, the South will be next. Now it is happening,” OPC President, Otunba Wasiu Afolabi (alias Askari), said in the statement.</p>
<p>He added, however, that “OPC is ready to let these evil dreamers know that Yorubaland can never be conquered or occupied by foreign invaders. Let the six governors of Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ondo and Ekiti states invite us to deal with this menace today before it is too late.</p>
<p>“We have the men and capacity to confront these foreign invaders physically, militantly, technologically and spiritually. All we are demanding from South-West governors is the necessary invitation, equipment and support to do what needs to be done to wipe out this menace of foreign criminals.”</p>
<p>Afolabi spoke in reaction to the alarm recently raised by Oyo State’s Governor Seyi Makinde that bandits and terrorists escaping from military bombardment in the North were finding their way to the South-West and building camps in the forests there.</p>
<p>Additionally, the Yoruba socio-cultural group called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to collaborate with the governors of Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ondo and Ekiti states to ensure that the threat of Boko Haram and other similar insurgents was quickly neutralised in the South-West before it became too late.</p>
<p><em><strong>READ ALSO: <a class="row-title" href="https://frontpageng.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=91138&amp;action=edit" aria-label="“Open air praise concert holds at Oworonsoki January 19” (Edit)">Open air praise concert holds at Oworonsoki January 19</a></strong></em></p>
<p>Afolabi advised Yoruba governors to urgently invite all capable organisations, invididuals and security veterans, mobilise all resources, and task them with the responsibility of collaborating with security forces to stamp out the menace posed by the non-state actors that had made life a hell for Northerners and were now importing greater insecurity into the South.</p>
<p>The OPC president said: “Enough is enough of paying lip service to the issue of tackling insecurity. Peace is the most important thing in any society. Without security and peace, no society can make progress. With the alarm sounded by His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, all hands must be on deck to wipe out this existential threat to our collective welfare and send these evil people to hell or wherever they came from.</p>
<p>“The Federal Government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must not play politics with this matter. Tinubu must lead from the front and mobilise the Armed Forces to align with Amotekun, OPC, vigilantes, hunters, Agbekoya and Sunday Igboho’s team to face this dangerous threat to our collective peace and existence.</p>
<p>“Tinubu must realise that destiny has placed him in this position to correct the great disservice done this nation by President Muhammadu Buhari, who opened our borders to foreign Fulani militants and herdsmen because they are his kinsmen.</p>
<p>“Let it be clear that although Yoruba people have nothing against the Nigerian Fulani, with whom we have enjoyed centuries of a cordial relationship, we will not concede an inch of our land to foreign elements masquerading as herdsmen whose pastime is to kidnap, rape, plunder and kill our people. OPC and the Yoruba race will never ever allow such a wicked agenda.</p>
<p>“For starters, the governors must insist that all herdsmen and foreigners should move out of the forests, games reserves, forest reserves and farm settlements in line with the 2021 order issued by the Late Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu SAN. After that directive has been reissued, any group found camping in the forests will be regarded as terrorists and summarily dealt with accordingly. A word is enough for the wise.</p>
<p>“Right now, these invaders have constituted themselves into a danger to everyone, including their Nigerian Fulani kinsmen, whom they have been kidnapping, raping and killing. Nigerian Fulani too have been losing cattle and other livestock to these foreign rustlers and terrorists. So everyone has become a victim.”</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://frontpageng.com/opc-to-swest-govs-lets-deal-with-terrorists-camping-in-our-land/">OPC to S’West govs: Let’s deal with terrorists camping in our land</a> appeared first on <a href="https://frontpageng.com">Frontpageng</a>.</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">91157</post-id>	</item>
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		<title>Alleged bandits invasion of S’West: Ogun lists security measures</title>
		<link>https://frontpageng.com/alleged-bandits-invasion-of-swest-ogun-lists-security-measures/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[David Adenekan]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jan 2025 17:46:12 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[abiodun]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[akinmade]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ogun]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Oyo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[police]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[south west]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://frontpageng.com/?p=91087</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Ogun State government says it has set mechanisms in motion to tackle insecurity across the state in the face of reported invasion of the South-West by bandits.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://frontpageng.com/alleged-bandits-invasion-of-swest-ogun-lists-security-measures/">Alleged bandits invasion of S’West: Ogun lists security measures</a> appeared first on <a href="https://frontpageng.com">Frontpageng</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Ogun State government has set mechanisms in motion to tackle insecurity across the state in the face of reported invasion of the South-West geo-political zone by suspected bandits.</p>
<p>The disclosure was made in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Media &amp; Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, on Friday.</p>
<p>Akinmade said that the government was in firm control of its security architecture through robust collaboration among security agencies and local security apparatus.</p>
<p>He explained that part of the strategies to secure farmlands was the heavy deployment of armed security guards at the local level to protect farmers in their farms as well as constant security patrols.</p>
<p>He noted too that the present security arrangements in the state were evident in the atmosphere of peace in all the nooks and crannies of the state during the festive period.</p>
<p>The statement said: &#8220;The recent reported influx of bandits from the North into the South-West coincided with the recent security meeting of the heads of security agencies in Ogun State. After a careful review of the state of security in the state, the agencies resolved to redouble their efforts to sustain the unprecedented peace and tranquility the state has been enjoying in the past few months, especially during the recently concluded Christmas and new year celebrations, leaving no room for destabilizing infiltration of bandits from any part of the country.</p>
<p>&#8220;Our security agencies have therefore, revitalized their winning formula and strategies, including visible presence in every nook and cranny of the state, patrols, manning of key and vulnerable points, blackspots, intelligence-led operations, community partnership and inter-agency cooperation.</p>
<p><em><strong>READ ALSO: <a class="row-title" href="https://frontpageng.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=91081&amp;action=edit" aria-label="“Police confirm 21 killed in bandits’ attack on Katsina community” (Edit)">Police confirm 21 killed in bandits’ attack on Katsina community</a></strong></em></p>
<p>&#8220;In addition to this, residents of the state have been alerted to the information and reminded of their civic obligation to join hands with the police to address the threat posed by armed banditry by being extra-vigilant, and report any suspicious movements of persons, especially strange faces in the communities. In particular, commercial farmers have been advised to continue to utilize the services of armed security guards and escorts to access their farms.</p>
<p>&#8220;Also, local hands have been deployed to help mount surveillance at their farms to assist their safe entry and exit from the farms, do everything possible to enhance visibility in and around their farms through lighting and erection of security towers.&#8221;</p>
<p>The special adviser also acknowledged the ongoing synergy between Ogun and Oyo State in sharing intelligence with regards to movement and operation of suspected bandits around the axis.</p>
<p>The statement reads further: &#8220;It is important to state we already have some useful tips for a well-honed-agenda to annihilate the bandits should they step into Ogun State. In pursuit of this legitimate goal, all ethnic groups in Ogun State, the Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Fulani, Edo, Igala, Urohbo, Ebira, and numerous other ethnic groups are united by a common goal to jointly fight whoever comes to disturb the peaceful environment in Ogun State.</p>
<p>&#8220;It is also important to reiterate the state government&#8217;s warning to decisively deal with anybody who procures or provide accommodation for any bandit of any ethnic extraction to operate in Ogun State. Such a person will face the wrath of the law.&#8221;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://frontpageng.com/alleged-bandits-invasion-of-swest-ogun-lists-security-measures/">Alleged bandits invasion of S’West: Ogun lists security measures</a> appeared first on <a href="https://frontpageng.com">Frontpageng</a>.</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">91087</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Kidnapping incidence estimated at 2.2m cases -NBS</title>
		<link>https://frontpageng.com/kidnapping-incidence-estimated-at-2-2m-cases-nbs/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Agency Report]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Dec 2024 06:45:11 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cesp]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nbs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nigeria]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[north west]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[south west]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://frontpageng.com/?p=90363</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, has said that kidnapping incidence in the country is estimated at 2,235,954 between May  2023 and April 2024. The NBS revealed this in its Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey, CESPS, 2024 released in Abuja on Tuesday. The CESPS is a household-based survey, which provides an in-depth understanding of [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://frontpageng.com/kidnapping-incidence-estimated-at-2-2m-cases-nbs/">Kidnapping incidence estimated at 2.2m cases -NBS</a> appeared first on <a href="https://frontpageng.com">Frontpageng</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, has said that kidnapping incidence in the country is estimated at 2,235,954 between May  2023 and April 2024.</p>
<p>The NBS revealed this in its Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey, CESPS, 2024 released in Abuja on Tuesday.</p>
<p>The CESPS is a household-based survey, which provides an in-depth understanding of the situation of crime in Nigeria, with a target population comprising household members 15 years and older.</p>
<p>The NBS said the survey was carried out to produce estimates at national and zonal levels covering both urban and rural areas for a twelve-month reference period (May 2023 to April 2024).</p>
<p>The report said that among households that experienced kidnapping incidents, 65.0 per cent paid a ransom.</p>
<p>It said the average amount paid as ransom for kidnapping was N2.7 million per incident with an estimated total ransom of N2. 2 trillion paid within the reference period.</p>
<p>“The North-West reported the highest ransom paid with N1.2 trillion, while the South-East was the least with N85.4 billion.”</p>
<p>The report showed that rural areas recorded more kidnappings with 1,668,104 reported cases than urban areas with 567,850.</p>
<p>Analysis by zones revealed that the  North-West recorded the highest number of cases with 1,420,307, followed by the North-Central with 317,837, while the least was recorded in the South-East with 110,432.</p>
<p>It showed that nationally, an estimated 51,887,032 crime incidences were experienced by households in Nigeria.</p>
<p>It said the North-West reported the highest incidence of household crime, totalling 14,402,254,  followed by the North-Central with 8,771,400,</p>
<p>“The South-East reported the least incidence of household crime with 6,176,031.”</p>
<p>The report revealed that crime incidence in rural areas was higher, totalling 26,526,069, compared to urban areas at 25,360,963.</p>
<p>The NBS said in Nigeria, 4,142,174 households experienced home robbery incidence.</p>
<p>Analysis by zones showed that the North-West had the highest home robbery cases totalling 1,068,430,  followed by the South-South with 811,231,  while the least was recorded in the South-West with 378,252 cases.</p>
<p>The report said that less than half of the households, at 36.3 per cent,  who were victims of home robbery reported to the police.</p>
<p>According to this study, the most common reasons for not reporting crimes include lack of confidence in law enforcement and the belief that police intervention would not result in meaningful action.</p>
<p>The findings showed that about 24 per cent of households would rather report to other authorities instead of the police, followed by those who believed the police would not do anything upon reporting at 22.7 per cent.</p>
<p>“Only 0.2 per cent mentioned lack of insurance of properties as a reason for not reporting to the police.”</p>
<p>The report also showed that there was a slightly higher report of household robbery among rural dwellers at 37.8 per cent,  than urban dwellers at 35.2 per cent.</p>
<p>The NBS said at the individual level, 21.4 per cent of Nigerians reported being victims of crime, and the most common crime was phone theft at 13.8 per cent</p>
<p>It said about 90 per cent of the victims of phone thefts reported to the police, and only 50 per cent of the victims expressed satisfaction with police responses.</p>
<p>The report said nationwide, an estimated 1.4 million experienced sexual offences, which occurred mostly in someone else’s home at 27.7 per cent.</p>
<p><em><strong>READ ALSO: <a class="row-title" href="https://frontpageng.com/ondo-nysc-assures-corps-members-of-safety-during-service/" aria-label="“Ondo: NYSC assures corps members of safety during service” (Edit)">Ondo: NYSC assures corps members of safety during service</a></strong></em></p>
<p>“This was followed by the victim’s home at 22.2 per cent.”</p>
<p>It said sexual offences were less likely to occur at a public transport station at 0.9 per cent and only 22.7 per cent of victims reported to the police.</p>
<p>According to the report, public perception on safety showed that 9.6 per cent of Nigerians believed they might be a victim of crime in the next 12 months.</p>
<p>“In rural areas, 13.0 per cent of the population believed they could be victims of crime and 7.0 per cent in urban areas.”</p>
<p>The report revealed that security agencies’ average response time to emergencies was a key indicator of effective crime prevention.</p>
<p>“Nationally, 33.1 per cent reported that the average response time to an emergency call by security agencies is less than 30 minutes.</p>
<p>“About four out of 10 households had at least one interaction with state or local security forces within the reference period.</p>
<p>“Also, one out of two households had contact with the Nigerian Police, and 25.7 per cent reported the incidence of crime to the police after experiencing a crime.”</p>
<p>The report showed that satisfaction with police responses was notably low, particularly for crimes including livestock theft at 42.9 per cent and crop theft at 42.4 per cent.</p>
<p>It said in rural areas, many households relied on local vigilance groups.</p>
<p><strong><em>Source: NAN </em></strong></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://frontpageng.com/kidnapping-incidence-estimated-at-2-2m-cases-nbs/">Kidnapping incidence estimated at 2.2m cases -NBS</a> appeared first on <a href="https://frontpageng.com">Frontpageng</a>.</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">90363</post-id>	</item>
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		<title>EXTRA: Reuben Abati as a metaphor for intolerance</title>
		<link>https://frontpageng.com/extra-reuben-abati-as-a-metaphor-for-intolerance/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[frontpageng]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 26 Nov 2024 14:16:20 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[My view]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[igbo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lagos]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[reuben abati]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[south west]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://frontpageng.com/?p=89577</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Reuben Abati's statement and the unnecessary reaction of the Igbo</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://frontpageng.com/extra-reuben-abati-as-a-metaphor-for-intolerance/">EXTRA: Reuben Abati as a metaphor for intolerance</a> appeared first on <a href="https://frontpageng.com">Frontpageng</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>By <strong>GANI KAYODE BALOGUN</strong></em></p>
<figure id="attachment_89579" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-89579" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="https://frontpageng.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Reuben-Abati.jpeg"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-89579" src="https://frontpageng.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Reuben-Abati-300x200.jpeg" alt="EXTRA: Reuben Abati as a metaphor for intolerance" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://frontpageng.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Reuben-Abati-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://frontpageng.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Reuben-Abati-330x220.jpeg 330w, https://frontpageng.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Reuben-Abati-420x280.jpeg 420w, https://frontpageng.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Reuben-Abati.jpeg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-89579" class="wp-caption-text">Reuben Abati</figcaption></figure>
<p>A few months after the civil war, some Igbo people who fled to the East started trickling back to Lagos.</p>
<p>My father, who worked with the Railways before starting his own sawmill  business on Tapa Street, Ebute Meta, became the host for some of his old colleagues from his NRC days.</p>
<p>Due to the fact that he was putting finishing touches on to our house at Orile Oshodi, but had no intention of moving in for another couple of years, he gave it out to some of these returnees, rent free.</p>
<p>By the time he was ready in 1974, he informed those still living there, as others had moved on, of his intentions.</p>
<p>To his surprise, the man closest to him among the lot, who was acting as caretaker for the bungalow, refused to budge.</p>
<p>Not only was he not willing to give up the room and paulor my father planned to use for himself, he had also sublet two other rooms.</p>
<p>When my mother and her brothers living with us wanted to form a posse to throw him out, my father stopped them.</p>
<p>Curiously, a week or so later, the man just packed up all his belongings and moved out quietly.</p>
<p>Of course, my father was also a <em>Mukadam</em>, a descendant of the man that brought Islam to Amunigun.</p>
<p><em><strong>READ ALSO: <a class="row-title" href="https://frontpageng.com/court-dissolves-45-years-old-marriage-over-alleged-infidelity/" aria-label="“Court dissolves 45 years old marriage over alleged infidelity” (Edit)">Court dissolves 45 years old marriage over alleged infidelity</a></strong></em></p>
<p>Make of that what you will.</p>
<p>Despite that incident, most of the tenants in that house are from that part of the country. My father did not use that to stop renting rooms to Igbos in all his properties. Even the two houses he lost at Ojo Street, Maroko, before the demolition were full of Igbo tenants.</p>
<blockquote><p>While some continue to play the victim card, Yoruba Demons, that specimen of male perfection, continues to date and marry the very best of Igbo beauty.</p></blockquote>
<p>While I did not inherit my father’s god-like patience in the face of such provocations, I inherited his ability to know there are good and bad people everywhere.</p>
<p>What Reuben said, just like what I just narrated, is a recollection of a single incident.</p>
<p>One.</p>
<p>But the reaction by the people from that part of the country, looks like he massacred a whole village.</p>
<p>Maybe what he said hit a raw nerve because it is closer to the norm than the exception.</p>
<p>It is what the Yoruba will call the <em>Elefo tete</em> syndrome.</p>
<p>Methinks, if people feel truly offended by what he said, all they have to do is counter it with facts.</p>
<p>Obviously, emotions and sentiments would not change the narrative, only comprehensive data will.</p>
<p>So far, all I see is a large dose of intolerance, served in a large cup of righteous indignation.</p>
<p>While some continue to play the victim card, Yoruba Demons, that specimen of male perfection, continues to date and marry the very best of Igbo beauty.</p>
<p>Oops! I did not just go there!</p>
<p>I did, I dey for Indy, come and beat me.</p>
<p>Our people should learn to relax, <em>o jare.</em></p>
<p>None of us is leaving this life alive.</p>
<p>My10kobo.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://frontpageng.com/extra-reuben-abati-as-a-metaphor-for-intolerance/">EXTRA: Reuben Abati as a metaphor for intolerance</a> appeared first on <a href="https://frontpageng.com">Frontpageng</a>.</p>
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