The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has reacted to the killing of five farmers in Modakeke, Ile-Ife by some unknown Gunmen.
Ooni noted that is no truth in the claims by some persons that the resolved crisis between Ife and Modakeke people has been renewed.
The killings, DAILY GIST reliably reports that it generated tension in Ile-Ife owing to fear of a reprisal attack from people of Modakeke, a neighbouring town, thus resulting in many Ile-Ife residents hurriedly closing their businesses and scampering for safety.
But Oba Ogunwusi said the killings at Toro village on Friday not related with ife/Modakeke crisis but were a crime and security agents would treat those behind it as criminals.
He made this known in a statement issued by the Media and Public Affairs Director to Ooni Palace, Mr Moses Olafare, a copy of which was obtained by DAILY GIST
The monarch said some mischief makers were the ones linking the Toro village unfortunate incident to the dispute between the two communities which had long been resolved.
The Ooni said the incident was promptly reported to security agencies who swung into action immediately, saying those responsible would be fished out and dealt with according to the law.
The statement read, “While some mischief makers tried to link the criminality to the long-resolved Ife/Modakeke dispute, the Palace of Ife wishes to state unequivocally that what happened at Toro village was sheer criminality and the long hand of the law will soon catch up with the perpetrators.
“It is in the public knowledge that the country like its counterparts across the world is being confronted by security challenges, which would soon be a thing of the past with the corporation of all especially we (citizens).
“Attempts to add communal colouration to the crime with an attempt to distract security operatives from unveiling the evil minds behind the devilish act by some mischief makers are already known to security operatives who are on top of the matter.
“While lauding government and security operatives including the Police, Department of State Service (DSS), the Nigeria Army, vigilante groups and others for being responsive to the ugly situation and their immeasurable roles in sustaining the peace being enjoyed in the communities, the Ooni implores all abiding persons to carry on with their legitimate activities as perpetrators of acts of criminality are not representing any community and will only be treated as criminals.”
