The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere has caution against any form of aggression against Igbos living in Logos, while calling on the Nigerian government to investigate, arrest, and prosecute individuals or groups behind the recent call for the Igbos to vacate the Southwest region.
In the wake of the ongoing nationwide protest against hunger, a handle on X named ‘LagosPedia’ had demanded the forced relocation of Igbo people from Lagos and other South West states within one month.
Also, a hashtag #IgboMustGo called on all Yoruba living in the South-East to return to South-West.
“They have one month from now to leave and relocate their businesses from all South-West states. We urge all Yoruba living in the South-East to return home,” the handle had tweeted.
“Lagosians and every South-West stakeholder should prepare for the massive protest of #IgboMustGo on the 20th to 30th of August ,” It added.
The profiling of the Igbos stems from their decision not to take part in the nationwide protest.
In a statement by the organisation’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi on Thursday, Afenifere said those calling for the Igbos to vacate Lagos are not speaking for the Yorubas. The group called on the federal government to immediately investigate, arrest and prosecute those behind the call.
The group declared that those behind the unwarranted, provocative and divisive campaign “are out to cause disaffection among Ndigbo and Yorubas.”
The organisation added, “Those who should be ousted from the South-West are the unscrupulous herders who are making life difficult for our farmers and rural women.
“Our Igbo brothers and sisters living in Lagos and the South-West should not entertain any fear of expulsion. We are all Nigerians.
“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.”
