The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has condemned the Friday gruesome murder of Mrs Funke Olakunrin, daughter of Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti.
In a statement signed by PANDEF national secretary, Dr Alfred Mulade and made available to Tribune Online late Friday, the group expressed sadness at the loss of the 58-year-old, describing the killing as barbaric and callous.
“It is with great sadness that PANDEF received news of the gruesome killing of Mrs. Funke Olakunrin, the 58-year-old daughter of Afenifere leader, Pa. Reuben Fasoranti, by suspected Fulani herdsmen, near Ore junction, as she was reported to be on her way from Akure, Ondo State.
“This callous and barbaric action, by the Fulani herdsmen, has become one too many, and totally acceptable.
“It’s quite unfortunate that unprovoked and unwarranted killings of this nature of well-meaning and law-abiding citizens of this country have become a daily occurrence that Nigeria has been subjected to, in the hands of Fulani herdsmen.
“This is a potent danger that the entire south and the Middle will continue to resist, at whatever cost.
“It’s heartbroken and disappointing at the path the President Buhari’s government had resolved to surreptitiously adopt, the obnoxious RUGA Settlement program for Fulani herdsmen to enable them effectively have a field day in their colonisation, fulanisation and islamisation of the entire country, and killing of our people.
“It is a matter of grave concern that, the ultimatum issued by certain unknown quantities of Northern extraction with intent to compel the Federal Government to implement RUGA in Southern Nigeria, is tantamount to a treasonable felony, and an attempt to break up the country.
“While we condole with the family of Pa Fasoranti, the Afenifere, and indeed, the entire Southwest, PANDEF shall continue to urge and mobilise a sustained mass resistance against these enemies of Nigeria, who manifest their evil handiwork in several forms, including, Fulani herdsmen, RUGA Settlement policy, radio frequency for herdsmen, the undignifying, shameful and embarrassing embossment of photographs of herdsmen and cows on our precious International Passport, banditry, kidnappings and killings. Enough is enough!” Mulade stated.
