The Ondo South Development Forum (OSDF) a foremost NGO in the state has condemned in strong terms the arson and deliberate destruction of both public and private facilities in Okitipupa Local Government Area and other communities in Ilaje Local Govt of the State on Wednesday 21st Oct, 2020.
Hoodlums under the guise of the #Endsars protest had set ablaze the Okitipupa police station, Okitipupa High court, the local government secretariat.
They also vandalized the Nigeria correctional service, set ablaze the INEC office, destroy the Ode-Aye police station, destroyed and looted the residence of Executive Director of NDPHC’s, Engr Ife Oyedele.
The arsonists also vandalized the house of Former NDDC commissioner, Barr. Benson Amusa in Igbokoda.
A statement made available to The Precision NG at the weekend by the President of OSDF, Mr. Anthony Olasele, described the incident as regrettable and unfortunate while pleading for calmness with various stakeholders in the town to sheath their swords and allow peace to reign.
He also pointed out the need for Unity among neighbouring communities in the old Okitipupa Division.
He said the #Endsars protest witnessed across the country in 12 days recorded both gains and pains and condemned those who hijacked the protest to carry out their dastardly acts that played out in the early hours of Wednesday 21st Oct in Okitipupa, Ode-Aye and Igbokoda where some yet to be identified hoodlums orchestrated war on the peaceful environment.
”How can we allow some elements within to come and destroy our heritage without reflections, when we are struggling for development to improve the lives of our people? All the lootings and destructive attacks witnessed on Wednesday do not reflect what Ikale and Ilaje youths stand for.”
The forum’s leadership calls on all meaningful and prominent sons and daughters of Ikale to stand up for peace and urged the youth to embrace dialogue with leaders of thought, in bringing the desired development to the region.
Mr Anthony disclosed that OSDF known for advocacy, intervention, development and Strategy has initiated plans to quickly set-up modalities to engage relevant authorities and various stakeholders for the rebuilding and rehabilitation of the affected facilities and also to launch an endowment fund for intervention.
Lolu Oguntibeju
OSDF PRO
Study @ Achievers University
