Twenty people have been arrested in connection with last week’s violence in Ile-Ife, Osun State according to The Nation.
Governor Rauf Aregbesola said this yesterday when the senator representing Kano Central, Rabiu Kwankwaso visited him in Osogbo, the state capital
The duo cautioned the media against reports that could jeopardise the peace of the country. Aregbesola said the suspects will be punished.
Kwankwaso described as rumours reports that Hausa people in Ife have been migrating from the state.
He said commentators should be careful with reports on both conventional and social media so as not to spark another crisis in other parts of the country.
The senator spoke during a condolence visit to the governor at the Government House, Osogbo.
“I want to appeal to our reporters to be mindful of how they report the crisis so that it won’t lead to a reprisal attack in other parts of the country.
“We should be mindful of what we write and use on our conventional media and social media as well, we need some sense of responsibility from our media houses.
“We are not saying you should not do your job, but you should know that you also have a responsibility of maintaining peace in our society,” he said.
The senator thanked the government and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for trying to make life bearable for the victims.
“I am using this opportunity to appeal to the Hausa community in Ife and around Osun to embrace peace and continue to live together in unity with their Yoruba hosts.
“Wherever you find yourself is your home and you should ensure it is peaceful.”
Kwankwaso was accompanied by Aregbesola to the scene of the crisis. Aregbesola said what happened was accidental as Osun people are peace loving and accommodating.
He noted that the Yoruba may fight one another but they are always protective of and friendly with their visitors. He buttressed his point with the Ife/Modakeke crisis which he said never touched the Hausa community.
According to him Yoruba and Hausa did not engage in any fight but the crisis was caused by miscreants from both sides of the divide.
“What caused the crisis was a minor disagreement. We are afraid that those who want to cause chaos in the country might be behind this crisis
“If you look around you will find out that enemies of peace are at work and they are few.”
