On the background of the recent orgy of political violence in some parts of Kwara state, women, community leaders and civil society organisations, on Monday, trooped out to the streets to call on law enforcement agencies to curb the unfortunate development.
The women, who were led by one Hajia Sarah Adebayo, matched peacefully on streets of Ilorin metropolis, to sympathise with residents of the area over Sunday attacks by suspected political thugs.
The women, who wore sad look and were adorned in black dresses, moved around the affected communities, commiserating with the victims of the dastardly attacks.
Speaking during the protest at the Government House, Ilorin, Hajia Adebayo called on the security agencies in the state to be alive to their responsibility of protecting lives and property.
“We are showing our displeasure as mothers because our kids and youths are being killed. We have never witnessed this kind of violence in the emirate and the state before, we felt concerned and not happy and that is why we are showing our displeasure about the incident. We value our culture and heritage which is that of peace and harmony,” Adebayo said.
Also, residents of Aiyelabegan Compound in Agbaji District of Okemale Area in Ilorin have called on the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, and security agencies in the state to call political supporters to order, so as to maintain peace for which the emirate neighbourhood has always been known for.
The appeal was made by the Mogaji of Aiyelebagan compound, Alhaji Sulyman Oba Aiyelabegan while speaking with journalists in Ilorin following a violent attack on the compound by alleged political supporters.
He alleged that the compound was attacked with stones and various types of missiles by political supporters who live in the area and later shot sporadically into the air.
Meanwhile, a chieftain of the PDP in the state, Alhaji Kawu Baraje has called on the sons and daughters of Ilorin and its environs to shun all forms of political violence and come together for the continued peace and harmony the state is known for.
Baraje made the call while reacting to the fracas that erupted in Ilorin on Sunday.