By Funmilayo Okunade
Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti has called for improved military-civilian relations to curb the consistent brutality and mutual distrust between military personnel and the civilians.
Oyebanji said this on Wednesday, during a visit to the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital(EKSUTH), where three victims injured during Tuesday’s fight between some military officers and traders at the Fayose market in Ado-Ekiti.
The governor said that the matter leading to the fracas could have been avoided, if the country has grown remarkable instinct of military-civilian relations.
Oyebanji, represented by the deputy governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, frowned at the attack, promising that the culprits would be brought to justice to serve as deterrent to others.
He appealed to the military to always tolerate the civilians and learn how to handle their cases professionally to avert recurrence.
The governor sympathised with the victims and wished them quick recovery with a promise to pay their medical bills.
“I am highly displeased with this kind of attack.
“The soldiers and traders at Fayose market should have tolerated themselves and if they had seen anyone going against the law, then police should have been involved instead of taking the laws into their own hands.
“The matter that broke out between the military and civilians and the number of victims were regrettable.
“This can’t be tolerated in any sane society. Ekiti government won’t allow any form of oppression of our people or disrespect for our uniformed men. There must be a balance.
“To maintain a society that will be orderly, we owe it a responsibility for all of us to respect one another and learn how to control our emotions, even when we get angry by the activities of any individual or group.
“We are assuring you that this matter will be investigated thoroughly and whoever is found guilty will surely face the full weight of the law,” Oyebanji said.
The Chief Medical Director of EKSUTH, Prof Kayode Olabanji, said that the three patients brought to the facility are gradually stabilising, after the bullets that pierced their bodies were removed and wounds treated.
“Though, one of them had a severe case when they were brought in, but we quickly swung into action by removing the bullets, stitched the wounded areas and repaired the damaged parts,” Olabanji said.
In his response, the Chairman, Fayose market, Mr Adeleye Adekunle, said that the crisis, which started as a misunderstanding between a military personnel and a trader, could have been resolved amicably, but for the alleged uncontrollable anger of the uniformed man.
Adeleye commended the governor for quickly intervening in the matter, saying that the issue would be resolved through a roundtable discussion among the government, military and traders.
“I appeal to my people to calm down and allow the government to fully handle the matter.
“We have that confidence that the government will do the right thing in the matter, so nobody should take laws into his hands,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)