Herdsmen Attacks: OPC Tells Yoruba Nation to Get Ready for Self-Defence

Otunba Gani Adams who is a factional leader of the Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC), has called on Yorubas to defend themselves against the attacks of the Fulani herdsmen which has continued unabated in the South-West. The OPC leader made this statement while speaking at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Ondo State council to commemorate the 2016 Democracy Day with the theme, “Herdmen/ Fulani clashes : what implication for inter- Ethnic relations/ Nigerian Economy.” The OPC leader, who was honoured as the guest lecturer at the event, reiterated that his men may not be able to provide enough security for Yorubas when they are being attacked by the Fulani herdsmen. He said this is due to some derogatory comments by the Yorubas. Adams said the group lost the zeal to protect the people because, the Yoruba people has branded the group as touts and thugs, which he also said has demoralised the group. The OPC leader also admitted that they were only recognised by politicians during elections, but also said the same politicians will shut their doors against them after they might have won. Adams then urged the people to use whatever traditional object they have to protect themselves and their communities, saying the first law in heaven is “Self-Defence”. He decried the way some traditional rulers discourage OPC in their communities, adding that religion has taken away traditional means of protection from the people in Yoruba land.“When one is too fanatic in religion, it brings shame, religion is good, but when it becomes fanatic, it brings ridicule. “If we are being moderate in our religions in Yoruba land, be it Christian, Muslim or traditional religions, who dare bring attack into our communities?” he stated.