The Ondo State Government, on Tuesday, allayed the fear of residents in some riverine Ilaje communities in the State, after it learnt that women and children were leaving the area over rumours of imminent attack.
The fleeing residents, it was gathered, heard rumours about an imminent attack from Ijaw youths to avenge the alleged murder of one of their kinsman from Akpata in Ese-Odo local government.
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Richard Olatunde, who urged indigenes and residents to return to their normal places of abode, said security agencies had been directed to get to the root of the alleged crime.
“The Government therefore, urges fleeing indigenes and residents, if any, to return to their normal places of abode and continue with their lawful businesses without fear. The Governor pray ALL communities, including those perceived to have been hurt, to refrain from any act in the direction of self-help. Such shall not be tolerated in any manner”
“Government accordingly, appeals to all persons of goodwill, particularly Traditional Rulers as well as Religious Leaders of the affected areas, to rein in their subjects to avoid unnecessary conflict in the relatively peaceful riverine areas of the State”
“Nonetheless, Government is not oblivious of the fact that certain persons, especially politicians, are striving hard to heighten the tension with a view to deriving imaginary political advantages. This is not just condemnable. It is criminal and wicked that such acts targeted to deepen disharmony and distrust are being oiled for political gains”
“The good people of both Ilaje and Ese-Odo local government areas are enjoined to be vigilant so as not to be misled by persons who do not mean well for them”
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