OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY, ROTIMI AKEREDOLU, EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR ONDO STATE ON THE INVOLVEMENT OF ANEBIRA IN OWO MASSACRE

By Nasir Onujagbe

It is a great shock and pathetic to read from the social media that Anebira was involved in the all condemned Owo massacre which was popularly believed to have been spearheaded by the conventional terrorist, like Bandits, Boko Haram and or ISWAP. However, the statements from the military quarters have shifted the search to some elements in Ebira nation which in all circumstances wasn't palatable to majority of us(Ebira nation).

"EBIRA" by definition represent good character, love and care for neighbours with utmost humility and fear of God. A typical Anebira is known for hardworking, sincerity, honesty and incorruptible in nature as reflected in the definition of the term "EBIRA".

The People of Ebira nation are predominately farmers with dignity and respect for legitimate earnings hence we rejects indolence and illegality from our way of life.

The long time neighborliness of the good people of Ondo State in accommodating us to occupy their land for farming can not be over emphasized,  we intermarried, residence in the land, taking chieftaincy tittles and indeed lives as one big family. 

Our political relationship shows no discrimination amongst us, we are our brothers' keepers and tolerance for peaceful coexistence with others.

The recent habits found in some elements of Ebira nation extraction is highly devastating, alien, unwelcome and of course saddening to the corporate relationship of Ondo People and Ebira People for decades.

The open letter is written to address Ebira nation unhappiness in the involvement of Anebira in the massacre. 

As earlier stated Ebira nation are Peace loving People with religious tolerance which is why for many years there is no rancour between the Muslims and Christians at home. 

Religious bigot and killings are never part of us hence sanctity of human blood is religiously  upheld in high esteem. We herewith call on the authority to apply all instruments of law to deal with whoever is involved in the heinous and barbaric act if found guilty as we condemn their action(s) in its entirety. 

We (Ebira) unequivocally states that the boys do  not represent the interest of Ebira nation in their dastardly act as they will squarely take responsibility for their actions and inactions.

The open letter therefore, invite Ebira People Association (EPA) as a body to publish a very strong worded advertorial to separate the chaffs from the grains on the calamitous Owo episode in relation to Ebira nation.

Ebira nation use this medium to Pray for all the departed Souls to rest in the bossom of the Lord as they continued to sleep in Peace. Amen.

Hon. Nasir Onujagbe is a Community Leader/ Public Affairs Commentator based in FCT.

onujagbenasir@gmail.com.