21st March, 2011
A Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, Coalition for Oodua Self Determination Groups, COSEG, has warned the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta, MEND, to keep away from Lagos and other Yoruba states in its bombing spree.
This warning was contained in a statement signed by COSEG’s President and Secretary, Dayo Ogunlana and Rasaq Oloko-Oba, respectively, in reaction to MEND’s threat to bomb both Abuja and Lagos State.
COSEG wondered what the spilling of Yoruba blood would translate to in the general struggle for a better society, asking whether ”the killing of innocent people on the streets of Lagos is the surest way to achieve the objective of whatever they are fighting for.”
COSEG admitted that MEND had the capacity to carry out the dastardly act but warned against such a senseless venture in the interest of all, adding that nobody has the monopoly of violence and madness.
While COSEG made it abundantly clear that it was neither frightened, intimidated nor threatened by MEND’s threat, it added: “We are not also appealing or begging them not to carry out the threat, but just reminding them that employing violence to make whatever statement will do nobody any good.”
COSEG expressed sympathy with MEND, saying all ethnic nationalities must be treated with equity and fairness. It, however, pointed out that dastardly acts like bombing innocent citizens can lead to a break up of the country, adding that there is strength in togetherness.
COSEG advised MEND to find more civilised ways of seeking redress whenever injured and warned that violence begets violence. ”Nothing should be done to provoke it,” it added.
—Jamiu Yisa
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