Funke Olakunrin: Tinubu calls for caution in tagging Fulani Herdsmen as the killers

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*L-R: Pa Fasonranti, Asiwaju Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, Gov Rotimi Akerefolu of Ondo State and others during Tinubu’s visit to Chief Fasonranti*

National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has called for caution over the tagging of Fulani herdsmen as those behind the killing of the daughter of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Mrs Funke Olakunrin.

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Tinubu spoke when he paid a condolence visit to the Afenifere National Leader in Akure, the Ondo State capital on Sunday over the killing of his daughter.

The former Lagos State Governor who emphasized that the origin of kidnapping can be traced in the country, maintained that the death of the 58-year-old should not be used to divide the country.

“I’m extremely concerned about security, I don’t want a stigma, I can go through history of kidnapping in Nigeria and we know how and where it all started, there are a lot of copycats.

“How many years ago have we faced the insecurity in the country? There are cases of kidnapping, is Evans too, who was arrested and made disclosures, also a herdsman?

“I don’t want to be political, but I will ask where are the cows?”

He added that with the spate of insecurity in the country, it was time to face it squarely and put an end to it once and for all.

“I am a nationalist and the securtity concern and challenge right now must be faced squarely throughout Nigeria.

“We must not use this incident to divide ourselves but we must use it as a cure to the security problem. Additional police, additional patrol, and additional security reinforcement along Ore road and various flash points across the country is necessary and I have discussed this among the various authorities. The governor (Akeredolu) is eminently aware and being proactive about this.

“The security challenges are numerous across this country and to fight it we are going through that, more police are being recruited and it takes time to train and deploy them to various areas, nobody prepares more than necessary for this.

“But if you look at Zamfara, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti and all areas, then we need to fight poverty, unemployment and the causes that might lead people to crime.

“Equally we must create opportunity to convert this tragedy to prosperity.”

In his condolence message to Pay Fasonranti, Tinubu wrote:

Condolence Letter by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu….

Dear Pa Reuben Fasoranti,

My heart aches with a profound sense of grief and loss over the tragic death of your daughter, the beloved Funke Olakunrin. Funke was an amiable and good soul who did and meant no harm to anyone. Like her father, she exemplified the best traits of our people. It is senseless and extremely painful that such a fine human being would be attacked by armed assailants while she was travelling with family members along Akure-Ore road.

Funke and I shared a happy and close relationship. We regularly exchanged ideas and advice to each other. We could speak to each other freely and honestly because of mutual respect that described our relationship. These talks enriched me. I shall miss them. Showing her fine personal character and gratitude, Funke wrote the following words to me which I wish to share with you now to illustrate the goodness of her spirit: “Thank you so much for your help. I appreciate your help. You helped me to get another opportunity to live. Mo dupe. Best regards and with all respect.”

Not long after, she sent another message: “Just to appreciate you once more. I am here Sir. The treatment is progressing. I am trusting GOD. Thank u for making it possible. Mo dupe Sir. May you continue to grow in His Grace. Amen.” Unfortunately, some people are eagerly trying to use this tragedy to advance their political agendas. I sincerely regret such behaviour for it is wrong and out of place. It does not well fit the moment. This is a time for consolation and genuine condolence.

Everyone loves and supports you. I am sure that no effort will be spared in identifying the assailants and bringing them to full justice. I have been assured by government and law enforcement authorities that the perpetrators of this terrible act will be apprehended and face the brunt of the law for what they have committed. We have faith that justice will indeed be done. But we must seek more than this. All of us who love you must also work together to honour Funke’s life by taking concrete steps to make sure such attacks do not continue to occur against the innocent and the peaceful.

I too have lost a precious child. I have a sense of what you are going through. Words are insufficient to express my innermost sentiments at this moment. All I can say is that my fervent prayer is for God to extend His divine hand…in order to lend the comfort to you and the Fasoranti and Olakunrin families that only He can provide.

May the loving and beautiful soul of Funke now and forever more rest gently in the bosom of the Lord. May God give you the strength and solace to carry on.

Papa, Olorun a duro ti yin. E o ni di agbaya!

Sincerely yours,
Asiwaju Bola Tinubu

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