Woolwich killing: appalling and barbaric

The Afenifere Renewal Group (UK & Ireland), wishes to express our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the Rigby family and the entire peace-loving UK residents for the gruesome and unlawful killing of Drummer Lee Rigby; a brave and patriotic British soldier, husband, father, son, and brother on Wednesday, the 22nd of May 2013 in Woolwich, London.

This despicable act remains both appalling and barbaric. As a socio-cultural and political group fostering unity, harmony and development in the Yoruba nation of Nigeria, we stand firmly with all other well-meaning Britons at this very critical and sad moment to condemn, in its entirety, the unacceptable and vicious action of the two undesirable and fanatical elements who intended to destroy the peace of our community.

We wish to put it on record that the Yorubas of Nigeria; comprising over 40 million vibrant, educated, multi-cultural, multi-religious, tolerant and highly accommodating people in the World's most populous black nation are never known for fanaticism or extremism in disposition, hence the metropolitan nature of their communities. We are best known for political ingenuity, lucrative enterprises, education and peaceful co-existence. The actions of those two insane individuals do not, in any way, represent the nature and culture of our people.

We commend the bravery and patriotism of British Armed Forces at home and abroad and we salute the irrepressible British Police for the professionalism displayed in dousing the tensed atmosphere created by the gruesome act. We hope that justice will prevail and appropriate punishment meted out.

ARG (UK & Ireland) hereby enjoins all communities in UK; irrespective of race, creed, belief or faith; to embrace communality and continue to live in peace and harmony so as to ensure more cohesion in our Society. 

Once more, we pray the soul of Drummer Lee Rigby to rest in perfect peace in the bosom of God Almighty. 

Adieu Lee.  

Felix Adejumo

UK Coordinator

Prince Adekunle Alara

Asst. Secretary

Adeola Adepoju

Asst. PRO