Our Igbo Brothers And Sisters Living In Lagos Should Not Entertain Any Fear Of Expulsion We Are All Nigerians – Afenifere

According to Daily Post Nigeria, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organization, Afenifere, has issued a statement reassuring all legal residents of Yorubaland, regardless of their ethnic background, of their safety and right to remain in the region.

This declaration comes in response to a controversial social media post by an account called ‘LagosPedia’, which had warned Igbos living in Lagos and Southwest Nigeria to leave within a month.

Afenifere firmly rejected this threat, characterizing it as an attempt to sow discord between the Igbo and Yoruba communities. The organization emphasized that the only individuals who should be concerned are those engaging in criminal activities, regardless of their ethnic background.

In a strong statement, Afenifere clarified:

Those who are being called to be ousted from the Southwest are bandits and unscrupulous herders who are making life difficult for our farmers and rural women.

In this wise, our Igbo brothers and sisters living in Lagos and the Southwest should not entertain any fear of expulsion. We are all Nigerians.”

The organization called on law enforcement agencies to take action against those responsible for the provocative social media post:

Due to the significant threat that the call for expulsion presents to peaceful coexistence, Afenifere is urging the security agencies, particularly the Police, to apprehend the individuals responsible for this unpatriotic action mentioned in the LagosPedia post.”

Afenifere further emphasized the equal treatment of all residents under the law:

None of them is singled out for harassment. Only people who are criminally minded have reasons to be afraid. And this is not restricted to non-Yoruba people.

Whether you are Yoruba or non-Yoruba, if you contravene the laws of the land, you would be appropriately dealt with in accordance with the rule of law. Otherwise, you have no reason to fear at all, whether you are an indigene or non-indigene.”

The organization also highlighted the efforts of governments in the Southwest to cater to all citizens without discrimination:

“The Lagos State Government, like other governments in the Southwest, is making efforts to cater to the needs of its citizens without considering their tribe, religion, or any other discriminatory factors.

It is highly inappropriate and deceitful for anyone or any group to make insinuations filled with ethnic hatred, especially during this period of heightened tension in the country….Viêw_ More