OPC, Fulani group in verbal war over arrest of Wakili

Chairman of Gan Allah Fulani Development Association of Nigeria, GAFDAN, in Oyo State, Alhaji Yusuf Gizori, and the Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, were, yesterday, locked in a war of words over the alleged attack on Fulani leader, Iskilu Wakili, at Ayete, in Oyo State.

The verbal war came as the Asawo of Ayete, in Ibarapa North local government area of Oyo State, Oba Emmanuel Okeniyi, also, yesterday, insisted that Wakili was involved in the destruction of farmlands in his domain, which ruined business for most farmers in the area.

While the herders alleged that OPC killed one Fatima Umar, the sister of Wakili during the raid, the Yoruba group said it was far from the truth. Contrary to the claims by OPC that the 75-year-old Wakili was responsible for kidnapping and killing of Yoruba indigenes, the herders wondered how a 75-year-old blind man could be responsible for killings and kidnappings.

Gizori, who spoke with newsmen in Ibadan, said apart from the houses and motorcycles set ablaze when the OPC members allegedly attacked Wakilu’s house, N5 million meant for their members was also burnt.

Gizori said: “We invited you to brief you on the development that led to the arrest of our member and a 75-year-old Iskilu Wakili. When they arrived around 7 am, they alleged that he was sponsoring and masterminding various criminal attacks against farmers who are of Yoruba origin in the community.

“First, Wakili is old and he’s about 75 years; he is blind and he has spent 19 years in the area without any criminal record. As we speak, two of his sons are receiving treatment in Igboora as a result of the incident.

“His houses and six motorcycles were burnt along with bags of foodstuffs and N5million meant for our members. “The attack led to the death of one of my sisters, Fatima Umar, with a gunshot fired by OPC members. We demand a thorough investigation into the arson and the government needs to caution the OPC and other unrecognized groups in the southwest against such things.”

But, the OPC coordinator in Oyo State, Mr. Rotimi Olumo, said no harm was done to Wakili, adding that he was handed over to the police. Olumo faulted the claims of Gizori, saying that people needed to visit Ayete, Igangan, and Tapa to listen to residents speak about the atrocities committed by Wakilu.

He said: “The people of the area have been complaining about the man and his agents for long. Our men went to the village, arrested him and handed him over to Police. We handed him over to Police because we recognise the superior authorities and we didn’t take the law into our hands.”

On his part, the Asawo of Ayete, Oba Emmanuel Okeniyi, who spoke in Yoruba language, said reports of the notorious activities of Wakili were brought to his attention by the Baale and farmers in his domain. He, however, clarified that he was not around when Wakili was arrested by the joint security team, adding that he attended the coronation of another monarch in Lalate atv the time of his arrest by the OPC men.

Osun OPC coordinator Oba Okeniyi said: “I was not around when it happened. Most of us traditional rulers went for the coronation of Oba Lalate, we got home around 8 pm, we were not aware of what happened. It was when we got home that we heard what happened on that fateful day.

“We could not apprehend the kidnappers, the victims said those who kidnapped them were Fulani. Whether he (Wakili) was involved or not in kidnappings, we may not know. “One of my chiefs owned the land where Wakili was resident but for some time, Wakili has been involved in the destruction of farmlands in Ayete and left the farmers in penury. As we speak, most of the farmers who are victims of Wakili’s atrocities have not recovered.

“It got to a point the Baale of the area told Wakili to leave the area but he (Wakili) refused to leave and that led to him (Wakili) being dragged to the court.” (Vanguard)