Oyo Probes Ojoo Violence, Warns Against Ethnic Tensions
The Oyo State Government has launched an investigation into the violence in Ojoo, assuring residents that those responsible will be prosecuted while urging against attempts to give the incident an ethnic dimension.
The Oyo State Government has commenced an investigation into the violence that recently erupted in Ojoo, Akinyele Local Government Area, while appealing to residents, particularly youths, to remain calm and allow security agencies to restore order.
Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal made the appeal on Wednesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the affected community, warning that the government would not tolerate acts capable of disrupting the peace and security of the state.
Lawal condemned the violence and cautioned against portraying criminal acts as ethnic or tribal conflicts.
“Criminals are criminals and there is no tribal colouration to criminality,” he said.
He assured residents that the state government would carry out a thorough investigation to determine both the immediate and remote causes of the crisis, stressing that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted regardless of ethnic background.
According to the deputy governor, security personnel have been directed to maintain a strong presence in the area to prevent further violence and restore normalcy.
“We want to know what triggered this crisis and once we know, we will deal with it decisively,” Lawal said, urging residents not to take the law into their own hands while investigations continue.
He also sympathised with victims of the violence, noting that two casualties had been recorded, and pledged that those responsible would be brought to justice.
Earlier, a youth representative appealed to the government to engage community leaders in dialogue to prevent reprisals and foster lasting peace.
Lawal later met with leaders of the Yoruba and Hausa communities, alongside other stakeholders, who affirmed that there was no ethnic conflict between both groups and pledged to work together to ensure lasting peace in Ojoo.
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