From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Yoruba Welfare Group (YWG) has strongly condemned the tragic killing of innocent Kano-bound hunters that were killed and burnt in Uromi, Edo State, even as it called on the Federal Government to take decisive actions to ensure the perpetrators of the heinous crime do not escape justice.
It also called on governors of Edo and Kano states to take swift actions with a view to avoiding retaliatory attacks that could spiral into another chain of violence.
In a statement by its National President, Abdulhakeem Adegoke Alawuje, YWG urged the two governors to quickly reach out to the affected families and relatives of the hunters to assuage their feelings and ensure them of quick justice for their loved ones who lost their souls.
“The recent killings in Edo State have sparked outrage and serious concern across the nation. The growing mutual-hatred in the country, fueled by political and ethnic divisions, has reached an alarming level and must be addressed urgently.
“YWG maintains that the real problem in Nigeria is not between the ethnic or religious groups, but between the wicked elite and the innocent masses. While the elite remain united in their pursuit of self-interest, the masses remain divided, often get manipulated to fight battles that do not serve their purpose well-being.
“Nigerians must therefore rise above these divisions and unite for national peace and progress.
“Subsequently, the Yoruba Welfare Group is calling on all Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic background, religious beliefs or political affiliations, to rally behind President Tinubu’s effort at uniting the country. If such a divisive incident continues, no president will be able to succeed in delivering good governance.
“YWG recognises the historical relationship between the Arewa people and the old Western Region, which includes the present-day Edo and Delta States. This mutually beneficial relationship dates back to over 450 years.
“Our great-grandfathers, who relocated from their territories in the late 15th century to different parts of the country, did not harbor the kind of greed and bigotry that some of us display today.
“The historical accounts of Arewa settlers in Oyo Town, Ibadan, Agege, and Egba land, just as we have Yoruba settlers in parts of Kaduna and other parts of the North – all coexisting peacefully for over four centuries. Hence, the current wave of violence, is a departure from this long-standing tradition of unity.
“The Yoruba Welfare Group believes that the increasing violence is a result of deliberate manipulation by political elites who poison the minds of the people against one another. The level of mental pollution among the masses has become deeply troubling, and YWG decries the unjustified mob killing of innocent hunters in Edo State.
“Nigerians are thus warned to be wary of intellectual and political manipulation by the elite who often fabricate lies to discredit the effort of the Federal Government for political gains.
“YWG appeals to Nigerian youths, particularly those in the North, to remain calm and allow the government at both the national and state levels to address the issues. “Two wrongs can never make a right. We urge Nigerians not to allow politics to divide them further, if politics cannot unite us, it should not be a tool for destruction.
“We in the YWG acknowledge the hardships being faced by Nigerians but we urge for patience because we all know that gold must pass through fire before becoming a valuable ornament. We urge Nigerians to endure the necessary reforms, and should never allow the current hardship or challenges to get them frustrated.
“A tailor must first cut fabric before designing it into a masterpiece. In the same way, Tinubu has nothing to gain by purposely causing hardship for the same nation that made him President, consequently, let Nigerians remain calm, let’s not start what we cannot manage, let’s not ignite the fire that cannot be contained.
“We call on the government to take decisive steps in addressing the challenges facing the nation and ensuring that justice is served to the perpetrators of the Edo killings. YWG also urged Nigerians to rise above manipulations, embrace unity, and work collectively towards building a better future for the country.”