Apex Yoruba group, Afenifere, has reacted to threats to cut supply of foodstuffs and other essentials from the Northern to the Southern part of the country, stating that its people would turn to Togo and Benin Republic to get their supplies.
In a statement issued on Friday by the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Yinka Odumakin, Afenifere said while the Northerners withdraw their cows from the South, they should bear in mind that the Southern states produces petroleum which is the country’s main source of income.
While arguing that there are other sources of protein that the Southerners could consume in place of cows, Odumakin said the North’s withdrawal of foodstuffs will encourage the south to do more in agriculture
“They should not forget that petroleum goes from South to the North. So, they should be careful. When you are throwing stones at your neighbours, you should be careful what he throws back at you.
“If they withdraw their cows from the South, no problem about that. Before cows, we had what we are eating. Cows are not the only source of protein; there are several other sources. It will encourage our people to do more in the area of agriculture.
“We have neighbours who are peaceful in Benin Republic, Togo and other places that we can buy things from. They can’t threaten us with anything such as withdrawal of item,” the group said.
Foodstuff and cattle breeders, under the aegis of Amalgamated Union of Foodstuff and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria, AUFCDN, had recently threatened to withdraw their services to the South.
The threat had stimulated fears of an acute shortage of beef, vegetables, tomatoes, onions, and other essentials, most of which comes from the North.
