….As Oyo govt justifies demolition of Abiola-Onitiri’s residence
THE Defence Headquarters, DHQ, yesterday, described as laughable recent agitation for Yoruba Nation by some elements in the South West.
The DHQ also raised alarm that terrorists and their sympathisers were planning to blackmail the military, following its onslaught on insurgents.
Recall that some Yoruba Nation agitators, last Saturday, dressed in military camouflage invaded the Oyo State secretariat and attempted to take over the State House of Assembly.
The agitators engaged the security operatives but were subdued, leading to the arrest of 29 suspects.
Speaking at a briefing, in Abuja yesterday, the Director, of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba said the agitation has further pointed out how the insecurity ravaging many parts of the country is self-inflicted.
His words: “The agitation of IPOB in the South East has proven to be for self-aggrandizement. Then, the call for a Yoruba Nation is laughable. All these buttress how our security situation is self-inflicted in the country.
“These acts are against the constitution and therefore, unacceptable for persons or groups to take up arms against a constituted government. Anyone or group that contravenes this provision of the constitution is inviting severe military action and would be dealt with decisively.”
Terrorists planning to blackmail military
Raising the alarm that terrorists and their sympathisers were planning to blackmail the military following the onslaught on the insurgents, Buba said: “It, therefore, should not be surprising, that these terrorists and their sympathisers plot to blackmail the military as a result of these airstrikes. The plot is to depict some casualties as innocent citizens rather than cohorts of this terrorist. It is therefore important for the media to be wary of the antics of these terrorist groups and their sympathisers. Our operations have prevented these evil elements from accomplishing their strategic objectives.”
Why we demolished Abiola-Onitiri’s residence — Oyo Govt
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has justified its decision to pull down the building where a broadcast was made by the Coordinator of Yoruba Nation agitators, Mrs Dupe Onitiri-Abiola proclaiming Democratic Republic of the Yoruba.
Two buildings allegedly belonging to the leader of the agitators were reduced to rubbles by the government.
One was located at Toye Oyesola Street, Sagari, Boluwaji area and the other was at Oluyole Local Government area of Ibadan.
While justifying the demolition exercise, the Commissioner for Lands, Housing, Survey and Urban Development, William Akin-Funmilayo, said the two houses were demolished after having discovered that dangerous weapons were stored there.
Akin-Funmilayo said: “The demolition was carried out two days ago. We obtained a court order from the High Court on April 16, 2024 to demolish the building, having got information that the Yoruba Nation agitators used the place. This building belongs to them. It houses dangerous weapons.
“The government will give you peace of mind. The government is here to maintain security. We implore the residents to say something when they see something. I will implore them to report any illegal and life-threatening activities to the government.”(Vanguard)
