From Victor Akinkuolie, Ado-Ekiti

The Ekiti Council of Elders has condemned the recent unrest and lootings in some parts of the state.
In a release by the President of the association on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti, signed by Mr. Bayo Orire and the Secretary Hon. Niyi Ajibulu, said the association has been following the trend of events related to ENDSARS demonstrations and the sad dimensions to the protest across the country.
“The Council all along has been stressing the importance of engaging our youths productively and assisting them to understand global and local challenges.
“A major lapse for which we must all take responsibility is the deterioration of alleged police brutalities before our own eyes to the point where everything exploded in the ENDSARS protests which have almost brought the entire country to its knees
As elders, we are therefore appealing to our youths to sheath their swords and give room for dialogue because nothing worthwhile can be achieved in a state of chaos and near anarchy.
“It is very unfortunate that at a time that all hands should have been on deck in recuperating from the COVID-19 pandemic that grounded the nation for the past months, we have to face the consequences of massive loss of lives and destruction of public and private properties which might set us back by decades.
“The Council enjoins all not to take laws into their hands. The youths of Ekiti are known to vent their anger in a peaceful and civil manner. The act of looting and stealing is alien to Ekiti people, as they are reputed ‘Omolubis’. Our quintessence of integrity, decency and humility must continue.
“We are well aware of the efforts of the Ekiti State government to help remove the challenges facing our youths and make them productive.
“We urge government to simplify the mode of accessing the facilities put in place to improve their lot. For instance, our people in Ekiti State have been unable to access some of the funds in forms of loans and grants because of the conditions attached to them. Little wonder, unemployment is escalating by the day.
“No doubt, we are faced with unprecedented challenges that call for all to be involved and vigilant. We urge all, particularly our youths not to allow themselves to be provoked by selfish political rhetoric and outright incitement to destroy our proud heritage.
“Under no circumstances must infiltrators, outsiders and their collaborators be allowed to destroy our enviable legacy.
“It is very important for our security agents, in containing perceived excesses of the youths, not to revert to the SARS saga that triggered the unrest in the first place.
“We urge all to continue to pray for our dear country. It shall be well with Nigeria and Ekiti State” it stated.