Yoruba Council of Elders issues ultimatum to Fulani herdsmen

chika ebuzor

October 9, 2015 6:41 AM

Despite the untold injustices meted on us over the years, we remain the only one of the numerous tribes that has ever questioned the corporate existence of Nigeria.

Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), rising from a meeting, have issued a communique banning the activities of Fulani herdsmen in the South-West.

Adding that any Fulani herdsman that ignores the ultimatum, will meet with serious consequences.

A statement released to newsmen by the elders reads “Yoruba leaders of thought both at home and in diaspora had an emergency summit in response to the clear and present danger to the continued existence of our people.”

The statement added that “After an extensive and inclusive debate on the threat to our survival, especially after the unprovoked, unwarranted, mindless and serial attacks on the economic rights of our people by the Fulani cattle rearers which has led to loss of precious lives, rape and criminal abduction of our people."

The elders also said “Despite the non aggressive disposition of the Yoruba, we have been victims of violent violations from our hostile neighbours from pre colonial days to modern times. From the 18th century, the Fulani jihadists’ onslaught against the Yoruba through the travails of Chief Obafemi Awolowo through the June 12 saga with the latest wars declared on our people, we have always risen above board as we strive to make our neighbours see the need to deal justly and fairly not because we are cowards but because God created us to fight only as a last resort.”

“Despite the untold injustices meted on us over the years, we remain the only one of the numerous tribes that has ever questioned the corporate existence of Nigeria. Falae’s abduction was sequel to the running battles he has had with these Fulani herdsmen, who had invaded his farmland and destroyed his produce,” the statement said.

chika ebuzor