'Police Lied, Fulani Herdsmen, Cows Attacked My Property' - Wole Soyinka Breaks Silence

 

Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka has lashed out at the Nigerian police for lying that herdsmen didn't attack his property.

 

While breaking his silence on Thursday, Soyinka said he was not physically attacked, but that the herders and cows attacked his property.

 

 

According to PM News, Soyinka, in a statement, said “for those who truly seek details of the Ijegba incident, I hereby affirm that I was never physically attacked, neither did I attack any cows.  The cows and herders did however attack my property – and not for the first time.”

 

He said the most distressful aspect of his recent interaction with cows and herders was that it has created a most unwanted distraction from the ongoing life and death Nigerian narrative.

 

“One has to take time off to deal with distortions and Fake versions, while students are being reportedly waylaid and killed and/or kidnapped in Ondo and farmers are being slaughtered in my own state. In short, the killings continue even as panels are being launched to enquire into immediate past human violations,” he said.

 

Soyinka said the police needed to be very, very careful, learn to be straightforward with public information, saying failure to adhere to that obvious, basic form of conduct meant that the public would lose total confidence in security agencies and constantly by-pass them in times of civic unrest, no matter how trivial or deadly.

 

“Since they took rather long in responding, I summoned a replacement and proceeded to the police station. On the way, we met a detachment, turned round, and together we returned to the scene of crime. The police wanted to commence combing the bush for the fugitives but I stopped them – what was the point? Keep the cows, I advised, and the owner will show up. Of course, that owner eventually did,” he explained.

 

Soyinka added: “I thoroughly resent the police version which suggests that the cows never invaded my home: home is not just a building, it includes its grounds. And it was not a stray cow, or two or three. It was a herd – we have photos, so why the lie? It is so unnecessary, unprofessional and suspiciously compromised. The police suggest that I have nothing better to do than to go accosting cows on the public road – to what end?  If the police demand proof, the next time such an invasion takes place, I warn that there will be no lack for cadaver affirmation and the police will be officially invited to join in the ensuing suya feast. So please, let us get serious!

“A special practical plea: now that the railways are being resurrected, let us make cattle wagons  a priority.  I grew up with the regular sight of those practical conveyances. It is time to bring them back,” he added.