Afenifere, the prominent pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organization, has firmly denounced the recent demands by some Yoruba extremists for the expulsion of Igbo individuals from the South-West region of Nigeria.

The organization has reassured all Nigerians residing legally in any part of Yoruba land that their safety and security are guaranteed, and they should not fear any forced relocation or eviction.

This response came in reaction to a controversial social media post by an obscure handle known as ‘LagosPedia,’ which has been spreading a viral message.

The post, which caused considerable anxiety across Lagos and other parts of the southwest, issued a one-month ultimatum for Igbo residents and business owners to vacate the region.

It further advocated for Yorubas living in the South-East to return to their ancestral homes.

The message, accompanied by the hashtag #Igbomustgo, suggested that a large-scale protest would be organized from August 20th to August 30th, demanding the removal of Igbo people from all South-West states and the relocation of their businesses.

Afenifere has strongly rejected these inflammatory and divisive calls, asserting that the motives behind such campaigns are to create discord between the Igbo and Yoruba communities.

The organization emphasized that there are no plans or intentions to expel any group of people who are lawfully engaged in their activities within the South-West.

Instead, Afenifere clarified that the only individuals being targeted are the unscrupulous herders who have been disrupting the lives of local farmers and rural women.

Therefore, Afenifere’s message to the Igbo community residing in Lagos and the broader South-West region is one of solidarity and reassurance, affirming that they should not be concerned about any threats of expulsion.

The organization underscored the unity of Nigerians and their collective right to live and work anywhere in the country.

In Jigawa State, defiant protesters have taken to the streets of Dutse once more, disregarding a 24-hour curfew imposed by the state government.

The curfew was enacted following significant violence and property damage that occurred on the first day of a nationwide protest.

Currently, security forces are engaged in efforts to control the demonstrators in the Zai area of the city.

Reports indicate that despite the deployment of teargas, protesters continue to resist and have even set up roadblocks, causing ongoing clashes with security personnel.

In the Shuwarin area, located on the outskirts of Dutse, protesters have regrouped and resumed their demonstrations for a second consecutive day.

They are making persistent attempts to advance into the central areas of the state capital but are facing resistance from security forces who are actively working to block their progress.

An eyewitness from Shuwarin reported that several protesters, including minors, have been detained by the police.

In contrast, the situation in Gumel town remains relatively peaceful, as security operatives have effectively closed off major roads to prevent any regrouping of protesters.

Several #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters are reported injured following a police crackdown in Abuja on Friday. The protesters, who ignored police warnings against marching, were met with teargas and live ammunition as the police ambushed them after the National Hospital area.

Five injured protesters told journalists that they were forced to flee into nearby bushes when the police began firing. They criticized the police’s use of live ammunition and teargas, which they said escalated the situation significantly.