A group in Southwest Nigeria, the Yoruba Appraisal Forum (YAF) has appealed to Yoruba youths to eschew violence and live in peace with other residents of their states.
The Forum’s National Coordinator, Mr Adesina Animashaun made the appeal while addressing residents of Akure, the Ondo State capital, during a motorcade organised to sensitise the people on the need to live in peace and unity in Nigeria.
Mr Animashaun advised the youths to beware of individuals acting under the guise of agitating for an independent Yoruba nation adding that such agitation could lead to violence and unrest of the nation.
“We’ll only just advise our innocent youths to be careful of joining such unpatriotic groups in order not find themselves fighting the wrong cause when it’s already too late to back out and falling on the wrong side of the law. Our youths should avoid being recruited to support and fight the cause of terrorist groups under the guise of agitating for an Oodua Republic or independent Yoruba nation.” Animashaun said.
The YAF national coordinator further explained that the warning became imperative following the alarm raised in certain quarters that the entire South-West geo-political zone might have been surrounded by terrorists.
Mr Animashaun, therefore, urged the Federal Government and the governors of the six South-West states to ensure the deployment of an adequate number of security agents throughout the region and Yorubaland to forestall plans by any groups of persons or individuals to instigate violence.
He enjoined Yoruba youths to join hands and rise against terrorism and agitation for secession by groups or individuals.
“We cannot fold our arms and watch a few criminals in the name of secession to unleash terror in the South West.
“It is a fight by all against these enemies of the state and should not be left to government alone.
“We must all be vigilant and report suspicious movements to the nearest security agency within our areas.“ He explained.
The Forum’s coordinator also enjoined traditional rulers throughout Yorubaland to rise in defence of the region and their communities by warning youths in their domains to eschew violence.
He also advised parents to warn their children of the consequences of engaging in crime and violence.
PIAK
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