NORTHERNERS residing in the Eastern part of the country are unhappy with the sectarian killings in parts of the North, saying the development has put their lives in danger.
Though there has not been any threat to their lives by their Southern hosts, the northerners have remained apprehensive, especially whenever they saw people gather together.
In fact, most of them who serve as gatemen and foreign exchange agents have suddenly disappeared from their duty posts telling their employers where they were heading to.
A landlord in Awka, Mr. Fabian Okafor who had four northerners in his employ both in his house and office said he was surprised that they left unceremoniously despite his assurance to them that nothing would happen to them.
He said: “When reports of the killings in the North came, I noticed that these northerners working for me were unnecessarily becoming apprehensive. I called them to my house and assured them that nothing would happen to them because Igbos are not interested in reprisal
killing.
“Though they assured me that they would remain with me, I was surprised when I came back one evening and noticed that they have all left. I called them on telephone and their lines were switched off. When I went to make enquiry from their leader in Awka, I noticed that he too had left.”
Secretary of South-South and South-East Northern Traditional Council, Alhaji Iliyasu Yushau, in statement in Awka condemned what he described as the senseless killings in the North.
According to him, the Hausa Muslim community in the two zones regret the deteriorating security situation in the northern parts of Nigeria which has resulted to destruction of churches and killing of innocent citizens.
The statement urged the Federal Government to rise to the situation to protect the unity and corporate existence of the country.
The statement enjoined all southerners to ignore the threat by members of Boko Haram sect to non northerners and Christians to leave the area, insisting that the country belongs to all Nigerians.
It noted that a large number of northerners, both Christians and Muslims, are also residing the South and have been going about their businesses without molestation from any quarter, noting that Islam does not preach violence but rather preaches peace and tolerance among people.
0 comments:
Post a Comment