– KOLAPO Ayobamidele, ABH Press
Mrs. Funke Olakunrin, the daughter of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, leader of Afenifere, the Pan Yoruba socio-cultural group, was killed on Friday by persons suspected to be Fulani herdsmen. The incident happened along the Benin/Ore expressway.
The 58 year old woman was said to be heading to Ore Junction from Akure, Ondo State when her vehicle and other vehicles were attacked by the hoodlums who were hiding in the bush. She was shot, in what was described as a kidnap attempt, and died from the gunshot wounds. Her domestic staff, who were in the car were said to have also sustained gunshots. One occupant of the vehicle was reportedly abducted.
Afenifere’s spokesperson, Mr. Yinka Odumakin confirmed the killing of Olakunrin. Odumakin, who spoke with The PUNCH on Friday, said “We have confirmed the death of Mrs. Funke Olakunrin, daughter of our leader, Chief Fasoranti. Eyewitness accounts say she died of gunshots from Fulani herdsmen who shot her at Ore Junction in Ondo State earlier today.”
“She was coming from Akure when armed Fulani herdsmen came to the bush to attack her and other vehicles. Her domestic staff in the car with her also sustained gunshots.”
“This is one death too many and a clear we-can’t-take-it-no-more death.”
The killing has sparked several reactions from Nigerians. A former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode described it as the “final straw”. Fani-Kayode said on his Twitter page “This is the final straw. The Yoruba MUST act NOW. We must defend our people!”
