Community debunks alleged kidnap, sues for peaceful co-existence

The Oko Community in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara has said that nobody was kidnapped from it as reported recently.

Elder Joseph Abegunde, the president, Oko Development Association (ODA), made the clarification during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Oko on Wednesday.

Abegunde, who is also the Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in the council area, said the report of the alleged kidnap was a hoax, fictitious and imaginary.

He said the allegation was a calculated attempt to discredit the good people of the community.

The community leader said that the report about the kidnap came as a surprise to the residents of the community.

Abegunde urged the public to always verify their facts, especially, on sensitive issues from the relevant authorities before making them public.

He advised them to desist from peddling rumours that could create fears in the minds of law abiding citizens.

Abegunde said that the community had been witnessing noticeable changes because of the harmonious relationships existing among its residents.

The high level infrastructural development going on in the community was as a result of the cordial relationships among the indigenes and non-indigenes, Abegunde said.

“Oko Community is at present playing host to many visitors due to the ongoing construction of a private university aimed at improving the standard of education among the people.

“Peddling unwarranted rumours and allegations can create fears and tension, and it is capable of driving away potential investors from the community,” he said.

He advised residents of the various community to imbibe unity, tolerance and shun acts capable of heating up the polity.

Abegunde said the PCRC would continue to partner stakeholders toward ensuring adequate protection of lives and property within the council area.

The traditional ruler of Oko, Oba Victor Olawuyi, in his remark, said the ongoing construction of a private university in the community, was a good pointer to the unprecedented development in the community.

He enjoined the people, especially youths, to remain law abiding and imbibe unity and peaceful co-existence in ensuring the growth, progress and development of the community.