A citizen of Ebiraland, Mr Onujabge Nasir, says the suspects arrested by the army in connection with the recent killing in a church in Owo,Ondo state, do not represent the ebira nation.
He made the assertion in his OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY, ROTIMI AKEREDOLU, EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR ONDO STATE ON THE INVOLVEMENT OF ANEBIRA IN OWO MASSACRE onujagbenasir@gmail.com, a copy of which is made available to The Reporters on Wednesday.
He said:”It is a great shock and pathetic to read from the social media that Anebira was involved in the all condemned Owo massacre which was popularly believed to have been spearheaded by the conventional terrorist, like Bandits, Boko Haram and or ISWAP. However, the statements from the military quarters have shifted the search to some elements in Ebira nation which in all circumstances wasn’t palatable to majority of us(Ebira nation).
“EBIRA” by definition, represents good character, love and care for neighbours with utmost humility and fear of God. A typical Anebira is known for hardworking, sincerity, honesty and incorruptible in nature as reflected in the definition of the term “EBIRA”.
“Ebira nation is made predominately of farmers with dignity and respect forlegitimate earnings, hence we reject indolence and illegality from our way of life.
“The long time neighborliness of the good people of Ondo State in accommodating us to occupy their land for farming cannot be over emphasized, we intermarried, resident in the land, taking chieftaincy tittles and indeed, live as one big family.
“Our political relationship shows no discrimination amongst us, we are our brother’s keepers and show tolerance for peaceful coexistence with others.
“The recent habit found in some elements of Ebira nation extraction is highly devastating, alien, unwelcome and of course saddening to the corporate relationship of Ondo People and Ebira People for decades.
The open letter is written to address Ebira nation unhappiness in the involvement of Anebira in the massacre.
“As earlier stated, Ebira people are Peace-loving People with religious tolerance which is why for many years, there is no rancour between the Muslims and Christians at home.
“Religious bigot and killings are never part of us hence,sanctity of human blood is religiously upheld in high esteem. We herewith call on the authority to apply all instruments of law to deal with whoever is involved in the heinous and barbaric act, if found guilty, as we condemn their action(s) in its entirety.
“We (Ebira) unequivocally state that the boys do not represent the interest of Ebira nation in their dastardly act as they will squarely take responsibility for their actions and inactions.
“The open letter,therefore, invite Ebira People Association (EPA) as a body to publish a very strong worded advertorial to separate the chaffs from the grains on the calamitous Owo episode in relation to Ebira nation.
“Ebira nation use this medium to Pray for all the departed souls to rest in the bossom of the Lord as they continue to sleep in Peace. Amen.”
