*Picture shows the deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa (right) greeting the Chiefs in Ikaram Akoko
The Ondo State Government has met with Kinsmen of the Fulani travelers that were killed in Plateau State at the weekend.
The travelers who are Muslims were returning to their place of resident, Ondo State after attending the Annual Zikr Prayers in Bauchi to mark the Islamic New Year.
Over 20 Fulanis born and raised in the State were killed in the attack.
Leading the State delegation was the deputy Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa who reassured them that irrespective of tribe or religion, the State Government would always see to the adequate security of lives and properties of residents in the State.
Aiyedatiwa, who said the state government was sad about the killings of the people, said the state government commiserated with the families and relatives of the victims as they had been law abiding residents.
He tasked them to continue to be law abiding and leave everything to the hands of the security agencies, who he assured were on top of the issue.
Aiyedatiwa noted that his boss, Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and his Plateau State counterpart, Simon Lalong had been speaking and assured that all the perpetrators would be brought to book, with some already arrested.
“The people that affected were residence in Ondo State, by extension, they are our people, some of them were born here and they know no other state than Ondo State as their state of residence.
“Some migrated here for over 30, 40 years ago they have been here. And as a government our duty or one of our duties is to protect all and sundry, indigenes and our residents, even visitors, we need to provide security for all.
“We believe we need to visit the family, the community that are affected to commiserate with them so it’s a condolence visit to identify with the people that what has happened is not just to the immediate family or immediate community only.
“It also affect government because we represent the people and we are to serve the people and that is why we are here, to commiserate with the people. For the families of those that died, God will give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” he said.
The Traditional Ruler of the community (Ikaram Akoko), Oba Andrew Momodu urged the police to do their job diligently.
Momodu said he had already spoken to the affected Fulani community to take solace in God and continue to be law abiding.
The traditional ruler later urged the Federal Government to prioritise the security of lives and properties of the citizens of the country.
One of the leaders of the Fulani Community, simply known as Alhaji Tefiu appreciated the state government for the visit. The former S.A on Hausa-Fulani matters, Bala Umar and Chairman of Miyetti Allah in Ondo State, Alhaji Garuba Bello were also at the meeting.
Other government officials in the entourage were the Senior Special Assistant on Security (SSA) Mr Jimoh Dojumo, SSA on Youth and Students Affairs, Mr Olumuyiwa Ogunyemi, Commander of the State Security Outfit (Amotekun Corps), Adetunji Adeleye.
*With additional report from NAN.
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