The Executive Director, Marine and Operations of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Engr. Olalekan Badmus has commiserated with victims and families who lost their loved ones and properties in the resurgent communal clash between Ilobu, Ifon and Erin Osun communities of Osun State.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Osogbo on Sunday, Badmus described the incident as unfortunate, stressing that those behind the killings and destruction of property should be made to face the full wrath of the law.
He also called for the optimisation of all alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to stem the tide of further recurrence.
Badmus who was the former Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties in the state and a prominent figure in Osogbo/Olorunda/Irepodun/Orolu Federal constituency also tasked the Osun State Government to be more proactive in resolving cases of communal disputes before it leads to irreparable ruins.
The statement reads, “It is sad that an avoidable situation will continue to lead to killings, deaths and destruction of properties of innocent souls. The situation in Ilobu, Ifon and Erin Osun presents another sad tale where incidents that should be handle with all sense of maturity will further turn to irreparable ruins.
“I condole with the families of the deceased and those who lost fortunes in the multiple incidents and pray that they find the solace to forge ahead in these trying times.
“I also call on those fanning the embers of violence and war to embrace peace, shun all forms of divisive tendencies. We cannot move forward as a people if we continue to breed hatred, animosity or separatist beliefs. We must look beyond all of these bad rhetoric and move forward, peacefully as a people who have lived for centuries together.
“I also appeal to the Osun State Government to implement measures to forestall reprisals and bring lasting peace to the affected communities. A comprehensive stock taking should also be done to ensure that those who lost properties in the incident return to their homes in no distant future.
“Security agencies must also work very assidously to ensure that perpetrators are brought to book. All stakeholders must also align thoughts to bring those involved to justice. This will help to dissuade other formentors of trouble in the future. May God heal our land.”
