Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams has appealed to End SARS protesters and youths in Nigeria to embrace peace.
He said dialogue, not violence, remains the best means to drive home their demand for police reform and other issues affecting the nation.
In a statement on Saturday, Adams hailed the determination and courage they displayed since early October.
He noted that those alive and the deceased have “written their names in gold for raising their voices against police brutality and standing up to fight against bad leadership”.
Adams commiserated with the families of those that lost their loved ones in the course of the struggle.
“Those that fell to the bullets of the army will surely be remembered as heroes and they will always live in the minds of Nigerians forever because they paid the supreme price for liberty and justice.
“I again condemn the killings of some of the peaceful protesters in Lekki Toll Gate. It was one killing too many and I also stand with the families of those killed. I’m with you at this moment of grief. I share your pains. I mourn with you.
“I shed tears with you. I feel your sorrow. Mankind cannot create life and has no right to take one especially the lives of people protesting against an unjust system. The loss of one life is a tragedy not to talk of many more lives
“The deaths were avoidable. The people who lost their lives could have been saved. There was no reason for the vicious attacks on innocent citizens. It is, therefore, very important for the Federal Government to unravel those behind the killings.”
The Yoruba leader condemned the destruction of private and public properties.
He noted that some assets destroyed represent the bedrock of Yoruba political economy and age-long civilization.
“City Hall, Lagos Television and many others are legacies of Chief Obafemi Awolowo. We condemn in the strongest term this reckless and coordinated attempt to destroy Yoruba economic birthright.”
Adams lambasted those spreading lies against the Igbos, adding that hoodlums that engaged in the looting and destruction of public properties did that for their selfish end.
“It is sad that some individuals are now giving tribal and ethnic colourations to the incident of destruction and looting in Lagos. Those that hijacked the peaceful protest did that for their selfish interests. The state government must investigate the events.
“There must be a thorough investigation into the killings and wanton destruction of properties. The government must ensure that perpetrators face the full weight of the law. I wish to state it clearly that we should embrace peace and stop fanning the embers of tribal wars across the state”, the Aare said.
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