The Sarikin Fulani of Igangan in Ibarapa Local Government Area of Oyo State, Salihu AbdulKadir, has denied conniving with kidnappers operating in the area.
Abdulkadir, who addressed a news conference in Ilorin said he was accused wrongly by Mr Sunday Adeyemo popularly known as Sunday Igboho.
The Seriki Fulani fled his home to Ilorin when his house and cars were allegedly razed down by angry mob in Igangan.
He said all the allegations against him were concocted by Adeyemo with the sole purpose of getting the Fulani out of Igangan and other parts of Yoruba land.
The Seriki also denied any knowledge of the killing of one Dr Fatai Aborode.
”I and my family have been living in Igangan for over 50 years without any challenge from anybody either in Igangan or any other places,” AbdulKadir explained.
He however called on the Emirs and other traditional rulers in the 19 northern states to come to the rescue of the Fulani residents in the South- West.
He equally called on the federal government to probe the burning of his houses, 12 vehicles and the killing of seven of his men in Igangan by alleged agents of Sunday Igboho which amounts to N500 million.
”When a Fulani boy named Omomogeto was reported to me to have raped someone, I told the vigilante to arrest the Fulani boy.
”When he was arrested, I investigated the matter and discovered that he committed the offence, I handed him over to the family of the victim.
“There was no case of farm destruction reported to me that I will not send people to go and look at the farm that was destroyed.
”If discovered that it is true, I will order the Fulani to pay money to the farmers; i.e the Agoro family in Igangan and many more.
”I have a record where I’m recording the issues affecting the farmers.
”And on the issue of killing of Dr Aborode, I don’t know anything about it and where he was killed is very far to my village.
”It is about two hours drive to my village; you will pass through Igangan town before you get to where I am,” he clarified.
He however noted that given the conspiracy by the police with the natives of Igangan, himself and his people will not feel comfortable returning to Igangan.
