Police IG declares Sunday Igboho wanted, fails to arrest killer herdsmen
The Inspector-general of police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, has ordered the arrest of Sunday Adeyemo, alias Sunday Igboho, over the quit notice he issued to herdsmen.
BBC Hausa quoted Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, as confirming the arrest order during its programme on Friday.
Shehu reportedly said the IGP informed him of his directive to Ngozi Onadeko, the Oyo commissioner of police, to arrest Igboho and transfer him to Abuja.
Igboho had asked herdsmen in Igangan in Ibarapa north local government area of Oyo to leave within seven days following reports of the killing of some Oyo citizens.
He had blamed herders and Fulanis, including Saliu Kadri, the Seriki Fulani, of being behind the rising insecurity in the area.
Adamu is yet to order the arrest of the herdsmen who allegedly vandalise farms, kill farmers, kidnap residents and rape women in the state.
Igboho’s supporters say their action resulted from the failure of police to bring the “killer herdsmen” to book.
“I’m shocked that the IGP ordered for the arrest of Sunday Igboho but didn’t order his men to enter the bushes of Ibarapa and fish out killer herdsmen and kidnappers,” journalist ‘Fisayo Soyombo said in reaction to the development.
“True, Igboho’s outbursts are capable of causing anarchy, but you can’t go after him and ignore the terrorists.”
Igboho’s quit notice generated tension in parts of the state, prompting Seyi Makinde, the governor, to ask the IGP to arrest those fomenting trouble under the guise of protecting the interest of Yoruba people.
“For people stoking ethnic tension, they are criminals and once you get them, they should be arrested and treated like common criminals,” the governor had told the police commissioner.
