An ethnic group from Baruten local government area of Kwara State has expressed worry over a viral audio clip wherein the Aare Yoruba in Baruten local government area of Kwara state, Nafiu Amuda allegedly mentioned the sending of soldiers to the Baatonun community.
The group known as Batombu Unity and Development Initiatives Abuja (BUDIA) said such behaviour goes against the values of mutual respect, understanding, and harmonious coexistence that their society prides itself upon.
BUDIA in a statement signed by Yusuf Tunku, Isa Ibrahim, Nasir Abubakar, Umar Semo and Aisha Ahmadu Oyoru said resorting to threats and violence as a means of settling any form of dispute or disagreement is both unacceptable, unjustifiable and counterproductive.
“Our communities have always embraced diversity, fostering an environment where different ethnic groups live together in peace, harmony and productive collaboration. It is imperative to recall that your late father Amuda Ghana settled in Okuta where you Nafiu Amuda were born and raised.
“You settled peacefully in Baruten, married Batonun women and blessed with children. You were installed as Oba Yoruba of Okuta, until recently when you decided to provoke and promote ethnic tensions between the Yorubas and Batombu.
We must promote dialogue, empathy, and tolerance instead of stoking fear and animosity.
“We urge you, as responsible leaders and members of the Yoruba Minority Settlers, to immediately retract your reoccurring threatening remarks and channel your concerns through peaceful means such as engaging in open discussions, seeking mediation, or exploring legal avenues where necessary!
“We are particularly heartened by the creation of Baruten Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (BARCIMA), initiated by HRH Sabikpasi II (Sarikin Yamma) the Emir of Yashikira, in collaboration with other three first-class royal fathers with memberships drawn from Batombu and Yoruba traders, which serves as a remarkable step towards promoting economic growth, cooperation, and inclusivity within our communities.
“We implore you to consider the consequences of your actions. Provoking strife and hostility will only lead to further division and alienation within our society. Which will collapse the fragile economy of the area.
“Similarly, we call on Barten Youths to remain peaceful and law-abiding to ensure amicable resolution of the disputes. Together, we must strive to build bridges of understanding and work towards fostering unity and development for all.
“In light of this alarming situation, we also call upon relevant authorities to investigate this matter thoroughly. It is crucial that peace and the rule of law be upheld and that all individuals or groups involved in making such threats to security and peaceful coexistence be held accountable,” the statement reads.
