OPC killed my sister, burnt N5m, 6 motorcycles — Wakili

The Chairman of Gan Allah Fulani Development Association of Nigeria (GAFDAN), Oyo State chapter, Alhaji Yusuf Gizori on Tuesday said the attack on the Wakili Seriki’s Settlement in Ayete, Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State resulted in the death of his sister Fatima Umar.

He said among the houses set ablaze, one contained N5m meant for their members while six motorcycles were burnt.

Gizori, who spoke at a press conference in Ibadan, said all the allegations levelled against Wakili, a member of his group, were baseless and unfounded.

According to him, Fatima Umar was killed by bullet shot by the OPC who were on rampage when they arrived the village.

He said; “We invited you gentlemen of the press to brief you on the development that led to arrest of our member, 75-yearold Isiaka Wakili. When they arrived around 7am, they alleged that he was sponsoring and masterminding various criminal attacks against farmers who are of

Yoruba origin in the community.

“Firstly, Wakili is about 75 years old; secondly, he is blind and thirdly, he has spent 19 years in the area without being accused of any criminality. As we speak, two of his sons are receiving treatment in Igboora as a result of the incident. His houses were burnt, six motorcycles were burnt along with bags of foodstuff and N5m meant for our members was burnt.

However, the chairman of Odua Peoples Congress (OPC) in the state, Comrade Rotimi Olumo, said the allegation was not true, saying the old man was arrested and handed over to the police.

He urged people to visit Ayete, Igangan and Tapa communities to listen to atrocities committed by the Fulani, man who is now pretending to be blind, and his men.

“The people of the area have been complaining about the man and his agents for long. Our men went to the village, arrested him and handed him over to the police. We handed him over to Police because we recognise the superior authority and we didn’t take law into our hands.”