By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan.
Former governor of Kano state and now Senator representing Kano Central, Senator Rabiu Kwankwanso on Tuesday cautioned the media on the reportage of the last week bloody clash between the Hausas and the Yorubas in Ile Ife.
Senator Kwankwaso who handed down the advice
during his visit to Governor Rauf Aregbesola in Osogbo and to Ile Ife, declared that there was the need for the media to ensure that their report will not fuel possible reprisal attack and another crisis in other parts of the country.
“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 former Kano state governor however urged “the Hausa community in Ife and around Osun state to embrace peace and continue to live together in unity with their Yoruba hosts,” saying,“wherever you find yourself is your home and you should ensure it is peaceful.”
He then lauded the Osun State Government and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for their efforts towards making life bearable for victims of the crisis.
Speaking, Governor Rauf Aregbesola Aregbesola described the crisis as unfortunate, saying Osun people are peace loving and accommodating and that the Yoruba may fight one another but they are always protective of and friendly with their visitors.
The governor pointed out that Yoruba and Hausa did not engage in any fight but the crisis was caused by miscreants from both sides of the divide, saying during the prolonged Ife/Modakeke crisis,the Hausa community was never touched.
“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.”
The governor disclosed that 20 people have been arrested in connection with the crisis and that the suspects will be made to face the wrath of law.
