Posted by The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba AbdulRasheed Adewale Akanbi, has urged those who engage in banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping to uphold Nigerians’ honor and themselves by putting a halt to their criminal activity.
His chief press secretary, Alli Ibraheem, made the appeal in a Christmas address.
Love is the best gift you can give to nature, he said. The greatest generous gift we can give to ourselves is love. Share love with others to improve the world.
“The recent wave of terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry is worrying. I implore the perpetrators to refrain taking any actions that could endanger Nigeria’s peace in order to uphold the honor of Nigerians and themselves.
“South western Nigeria is known for its ritual killings, which show a lack of love. How on earth and with what justification would you be persuaded to kill someone for ritual purposes? Ritual practitioners are urged not to sacrifice others for their rites. Peace reigns where love reigns.
“Boko Haram terrorists, please respect human life and stop killing people. No excuse, whether religious or otherwise, exists for killing someone without a court order. Respect others and revere the Creator. We can be better and stronger when there is peace and love.
“Love gone wrong is the cause of the banditry sweeping several areas of Eastern Nigeria. There is no love in destroying people’s lives and property.
Kidnapping for ransom is an additional danger to our tranquility. Some have died while being held captive. My honest Christmas appeal to the kidnappers: the strategy and energy committed to kidnapping is enough to have an honourable life.”
While maintaining that the Christmas season presented an opportunity for repentance, Oba Akanbi pleaded with the bandits and kidnappers to redirect their energy to a more honourable means of survival.