Oyo crisis: Makinde to inaugurate peace and security committees

Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, says peace and security committees will be set up in every zone of the state to help with the resolution of conflicts between residents. 

The governor said the move is part of the efforts to prevent a repeat of the Shasha crisis and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

According to a statement by Taiwo Adisa, his chief press secretary, Makinde said a judicial panel will also be set up to investigate the crisis.

The governor, who said the peace achieved by his administration is under threat, called on residents not to give in to sabotage.

“As I stated yesterday, I have also ordered a full investigation into the immediate cause of the crisis and I promise that all culprits will be brought to book. Our administration will also be providing the needed support to ensure that those who lost their properties to the mayhem are compensated.

“I mourn the loss of lives that has occurred. Even when justice is served, nothing can bring back the dead. That is why I must also state that individuals who have taken to stoking up ethnic flames in Oyo State, either through their utterances or actions or posts on social media, are enemies of our state.

“The people who have decided to leverage these sad events to further their political goals are not our friends. These people handing us petrol and matches will not stand with us when the fire turns into an inferno.

“I appeal to every resident of Oyo State to sheath their swords. People have been wronged; I acknowledge this. Therefore, we are moving ahead with setting up the Peace and Security Committees in every zone of Oyo State. Starting today, these committees will be inaugurated. With the Peace and Security Committees, everyone’s grievances will be addressed and culprits will be brought to justice.

“Let me make it clear, the socio-economic prosperity that has existed in Oyo State for about two years since this administration came into office, and the peace and confidence in government we have been building, is under threat. This threat will only succeed if we allow it to happen.

“When the bridge between power and justice is broken, we are bound to witness unrest. But we cannot solve the problems of peaceful co-existence in anger.”