The apex body of Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has claimed that Nigeria is fast returning to the era of late Sani Abacha when opinions that are against the government cannot be expressed.
The group said this while condemning the midnight attack on the residence of Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho in Ibadan, Oyo State capital on Thursday.
In a statement by the Acting Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, and made available to journalists by the National Publicity Secretary of the body, Comrade Jare Ajayi, the group stated that, “The news of fatal attack on the residence of Mr. Sunday Adeyemo popularly known as Sunday Igboho in the early hours of Thursday, July 1, 2021 is a sad indicator that we are fast returning to the era of late Sani Abacha when anyone who expressed opinions contrary to government’s position would be fatally attacked.
“Nigerians woke up this morning to the unsavoury news of an attack on the residence of the Yoruba activist, Igboho, in Soka area of Ibadan by armed men reportedly in army and DSS uniforms.
“DSS is the Directorate of State Security Services, one of the federal government’s security agencies. reports have it that the invaders came in 15 vehicles with army identity while some of the men wore DSS uniforms.
“It was also reported that at least seven people were killed while yet unidentified number, including the wife of Sunday Igboho, were abducted and taken away by the invaders. They also properties running into several millions.
“The attack came less than 72 hours to the plan by Igboho and others to hold a rally in Lagos to further canvass for a Yoruba nation this week Saturday.
“The manner of attack indicated culpability on the part of those in authority.
“We are forced into this deduction for a number of reasons. Firstly, eye witness accounts indicated that vehicles and uniforms of the attackers were that of the security agencies. Secondly, the failure of security agencies to confront the attackers further implicated the government.
“It was reported that the attack lasted for more than three hours. Igboho’s residence is in a highly populated area within minutes’ reach to surrounding police stations. That no rescue team came from any of the police units including the DSS office in Ibadan for the several hours that the attack lasted makes it difficult not to believe that the government is complicit in the attack.
“Afenifere regretted that the incident was a sad reminder of what Nigerians went through under the inglorious regime of late General Sani Abacha.
“We recall with sadness how voices that were opposed to the dictatorial tendencies of Abacha regime were under serious attacks. We recalled how patriots like General Alani Akinrinade, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Pa Alfred Rewane etc were attacked resulting in the untimely and gruesome murder of Pa Rewane.”
