From Jimoh Joseph, Ado-Ekiti
The Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, on Wednesday summoned Ekiti hunters from all the 16 local government areas to the government asking them to be on the alert to tackle any external aggression.
The governor also urged President Mohammadu Buhari to without further delay, declare the herdsmen as terrorists following the continued massacre in Benue and other parts of the country.
The governor said that there are reports that that some persons identified as Bororos have started a move into some parts of Ekiti with an alleged aim to kill and maim people and thereby rubbish his anti-grazing law.
“This uniform I am wearing is a mark of leadership and in solidarity with our hunters and vigilantes. I am a man that believes that his people must be protected. I want you all to protect our people. Go and protect your domain, be vigilant, open your eyes. Make sure everybody entering our state on daily basis are screened.
“We plead with our brothers harbouring criminals, you will never go undiscovered. We grew up as young people to meet cattle rearer as peaceful people, how come they are now bearing arms. Declare now, Mr President, declare now, Mr President, herdsmen as terrorists. They are mindless and ungodly. It doesn’t matter which interest they represent.
“Tell them Ekiti is a no-go area, my state is a no-go area. Those who want to make Ekiti ungovernable are wasting their time. Don’t kill anybody but defend your towns. Keep vigil on Ekiti, don’t sleep again. Arise and fight for our people. How can the life of a cow be more than the life of men.
“My hunters, go and represent me well. If you have juju, use it and make them sleep. Anything you have use it make sure your people are not killed.”
On the Benue massacre, the governor said, “I saw pictures of the killings in Benue and I wondered if those were human beings. I asked the questions if people could be that callous to kill human beings that way.
“The killers will find no peace. It is no tribal killings but that of mindless people. The blood of departed will find those people and they won’t know peace. It is the duty of … to protect its people. We are not protected.
” We have never had it so bad. People must come to leadership with conscience. The Federal Government should have sent the army to Benue and not the police.
” Governor Ortom should fasten his belt and protect his people. Those seeking for help in Abuja would not find because Abuja also needs help. I sympathise with you, this is your home and nobody would kill you. You are all safe here, ” he said.
Urging the President to declare herdsmen terrorists, Fayose said: ” Mr. President, declare herdsmen as terrorists group now, they are mindless and devilish.
Fayose who equally hosted the Benue people residing in Ekiti expressed his sympathy with them, saying: ” I sympathise with our brothers, sisters and people from Benue State that are mourning the brutality of those who killed their kinsmen.”