By Seyifunmi Odunuga
The Igbo socio cultural organization, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Oyo State branch has frowned at the Igangan, Ibarapa, gruesome killing of innocent residents by suspected Fulani herdsmen on Sunday, describing it as madness and unacceptable.
About 20 residents of the town were reportedly massacred in the midnight by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
Many houses, including the Palace of the traditional ruler, vehicles and other valuable properties were burnt in the attack, while several people were brutally murdered.
In a condolence letter to the state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, a copy which was made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Ohaneze condemned the dastardly killing of innocent residents by the killer bandits.
A copy of the condolence letter was also sent to the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the President, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), the Secretary to the State Government ( SSG), the Chief of Staff to the Governor, the Chairman, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Commissioner of Police, the SA to the Governor, Community Affairs, and Igbo Community Matters.
The Ohaneze, Oyo state branch, under which is the Igbo Community Development Association (ICDA), while sympathising with the entire people of the state, in the condolence letter signed by the Eze Ndigbo of Ibadan, Oyo state, and Vice President , Association of Eze Ndigbo in Diaspora (South), Dr. Alex Anozie said they were seriously pained by the unfortunate incident.
“We are seriously pained about this , we call it madness. As a matter of fact, we frown and condemn without any reservation every act where human being and properties are being wasted in any part of the country, for whatever reason.
“We condole with Oyo state government ably led by His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the people of Yoruba nation as a whole, over this worrisome act. May the Almighty God, the giver of life , grant all those lost souls eternal rest in Jesus name,” the Igbo community said in the condolence letter.
It will be recalled that the Igbo Community Development Association (ICDA), under the umbrella of the Ohaneze Ndigbo, remains the apex body with the largest population of igbo residents in Ibadan, Oyo State.