Ibadan violence: Ajimobi to constitute commission of inquiry, promises assistance to victims
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has said that a commission of inquiry will be set up to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the series of violence that recently erupted in some parts of Ibadan during which a police officer was killed and several other people injured.
He gave this indication on Wednesday while addressing newsmen shortly after paying a sympathy visit to Popoyemoja and Born Photo areas of the state capital where the violent acts were carried out.
The governor explained that the commission of inquiry would be charged with the responsibility of fishing out the perpetrators of the acts and recommending appropriate punishment under the law with a view to preventing further occurrence of the barbaric act.
Governor Ajimobi, who warned that his administration would not tolerate any act of violence, thuggery and brigandage capable of bringing the state back to the era of instability, added that all those who were involved in the violence would be arrested and prosecuted. He also warned politicians to desist from politics of violence, deceit and innuendoes which, he said, had been banned in the state in order to preserve the good reputation of the state already laid by his
administration.
“This administration is known for peace and security, a legacy which he said had been preserved, using government apparatus. We have established institutions to ensure peace. That is Operation Burst. We have been support it financially to ensure its effectiveness and efficiency.
“Now, we know that election is approaching. We believe that some of our opponents are behind these moves to disrupt the peace which we have been enjoying in this state in the last three and a half years. We will not allow them.
“We are going to set up a commission of inquiry to unravel all those behind this dastardly act. Whoever is involved will be dealt with according to the law. Brigands and miscreants will not be allowed to resurface in Oyo State again.
“The perpetrators of the violence are nothing but political thugs. Their political godfathers, who are afraid of our achievements and the peace we have enjoyed so far, are trying to stage a comeback in order to destroy the state. It was as a result of their violent posturing that the people of Oyo State rejected them in 2011. I can assure you that they will also fail this time,’’ the governor said.
While sympathizing with the people of the affected areas, Governor Ajimobi assured those whose property were lost to the violence that his administration would assist them financially so as to cushion the effect of the incident.
—
Dr. Festus Adedayo
Special Adviser to the Governor on Media