Abubakar Idris distances self from Oyo herdsmen crisis

Businessman and frontline Kogi politician, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim, has distanced himself from Fulani herdsmen and the crisis in Oke-Ogun, Oyo State. “Alhaji Abubakar Idris does not have anything to do with Fulani herdsmen, let alone with the crisis in Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State,” a statement on Wednesday by his media office said.

The former Kogi State governorship aspirant was reacting to a recent news broadcast by News Express Nigeria online television which featured the erroneous use of his photograph as Seriki Fulani of Igbo-Ora.

Captioned “Fulani leaders beg for forgiveness”, the story focused on the current peace efforts between Fulani herdsmen in Igangan, Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State and their host community. The story mentioned Alhaji Abubakar Idris as “the Seriki Fulani of Igbo Ora” and erroneously imposed the picture of the Kogi businessman among those who participated in the peace parley.

“Since the broadcast of the ill report, friends, family members and associates have inundated Alhaji Abubakar with calls, messages and even visits to ascertain its veracity,” the statement by Alhaji Abubakar Idris Media Office said.

It clarified as follows:

“The hardworking and law abiding businessman whose photograph was imposed on the story, Alhaji Abubakar Idris does not have anything to do with Fulani herdsmen, let alone with the crisis in Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State.

“For the records we state categorically and without mincing words that our own Abubakar Idris has no links whatsoever with the security crisis in Oyo or anywhere for that matter.

“Like every patriotic Nigerian, Alhaji Abubakar Idris is concerned about the security challenges facing the nation at this time. His heart goes out to every victim of the crisis and he calls for caution on both sides. There is no substitute for peace

“We therefore call on all well meaning Nigerians to disregard the report.”