The Oba of Benin, Omo N’oba N’edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II has urged Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State to work with his colleagues to stop the incessant killings by suspected herdsmen in the country.
The monarch also urged the Presidency to take necessary steps that would strengthen security in every part of the country. Oba of Benin made the call, weekend, during a courtesy visit to Governor Aregbesola at Government House, Osogbo.
He spoke as Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, expressed joy with the visit of Oba Ewuare II, saying it is an affirmation that Yoruba people are united.
Oba Ewuare II said:
”I want you to mobilise your colleagues in the Nigerian Governors’ Forum to address the issue of insecurity in the country and do something to stop the unwarranted killings by herdsmen in Benue, Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Edo and other parts of the country.
“It is unfortunate that this is going on in our land, we want something to be quickly done as soon as possible so that Nigerians can know peace because people are being swallowed by cattle in the land.
“We even learned that there might be some international connections to it, we don’t know anything about that all we want is for it to stop so that our people can know peace again.
“Nigerians cherish their comfort and a peaceful environment so much; so we are charging those of you at the helm of affairs in the country to do everything humanly possible to guarantee peace for Nigerians. “The bloodletting is too much in the land and the nation is bleeding, we want a stop to this.
The killing of innocent citizens has to stop in every part of this country. It is worrisome that the trending news in the country today is killing here and there, no day you will not hear the news that people have been butchered by herdsmen.
Mr. Governor, something urgent needs to be done about it. I want to use this opportunity to implore Nigerians on the need for them to be vigilant and security conscious more than ever before in our society, it is important for us all to know our neighbours for our own safety.”
Condemns modern slavery
The traditional ruler also condemned in its totality the prevalence of human trafficking in the country particularly in Edo State, describing the menace as modern-day slavery that must be urgently confronted.
Oba Ewuare II said:
“The modern slavery in our land today is that of human trafficking and unfortunately many people see it as an Edo State problem, but I tell you it is far from it.
We all need to come together and fight this menace that is staring us in the face or else we will all suffer for it.” “On our part, we are doing all that is humanly possible to put an end to human trafficking in our land because it is a crime against a fellow human being, other parts of the country don’t need to stigmatize Edo State, we need to see it as a national issue.”