By Adesina Soyooye
Total confusion and pandemonium reigned today along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, as a combination of Security Personnel, made attempts to arrest Sunday Igboho, the self-appointed leader of the Yoruba for the emancipation of the Yoruba from rogue herdsmen.
The attempt failed as the youths and Igboho resisted the security men who sped off, thereafter.
Igboho was on his way from Ibadan to Lagos, allegedly, to see elder Statesman, Ayo Adebanjo, when he was accosted by a number of security men, who made efforts to arrest him.
A trending video watched by our reporter, showed a shirtless Igboho, in the midst of several youths, with an ‘Operation Burst’ Security vehicle, parked by the express road.
Initial reports alleged a combination of Police men and operatives of the DSS carried out the failed mission, but the DSS has since denied any such operation by its operatives, dismissing it as fake.
A statement by DSS’s Public Relations Officer, Dr Peter Afunanya, reads: “The Department of State Services wishes to refute the news that it attempted to arrest one Sunday Igboho today in Ibadan.
“The said news is misinforming, and should be taken as fake and, therefore, be disregarded,”
Eye witnesses confirm there was no presence of any DSS operatives at the scene.
Igboho has since asked the FG to leave him alone and concentrate on flushing out the Boko Haram sect from Nigeria.
But a statement signed by a former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, confirm a failed attempt to arrest Igboho who he said was on his way to meet with 93-year-old Afenifere Chieftain, Ayo Adebanjo, when the incident occurred.
Fani-Kayode: “I just spoke to my brother Sunday Igboho. He told me there was a violent attempt to arrest him this afternoon by a joint team of soldiers, DSS operatives and policemen numbering about 40 on the Ibadan/Lagos Expressway whilst he was on his way to see Baba Ayo Adebanjo in Lagos.
“I condemn this attempt to ambush and abduct him. It is not only reckless but, also, very dangerous. If the security agencies want to see him all they need to do is to invite him to their office. I am not aware of any crime that he has committed and I urge restraint on all sides.
“Let me also send a warning to the Federal Government that Sunday Igboho is a hero to millions of Yoruba and either killing him or detaining him unlawfully would be the biggest mistake they could make. Building bridges, dialogue and the pursuit of peace is better than intimidation, threats, violence and war. A word is enough for the wise.”
Igboho has been having a running battle with the Police since he ordered rogue herdsmen a quit notice in Oyo, and followed up by implementing his order in the Ibarapa area of the State. He also did the same thing in an area in Ogun State.
