From Femi Mustapha and Divine Macaulay, in Kaduna
The Nineteen Seventeen Northern Consensus Movement (NSNCM) has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in what it describes as persistent killing and destruction of property belonging to Northerners residing in southern Nigeria, particularly in the South-East.
The group, which is a coalition of 594 associations from across the northern states and those of Northerners in the South, expressed concern over the spate of violent attacks targeting Northerners, most recently at the Lobbanta Garke cattle market in Abia State, where five individuals were reportedly beheaded.
Addressing a press conference in Kaduna today, the National President of NSNCM, Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu, said the situation has become intolerable, citing a series of violent incidents against Northerners, including the killings in Abia and Imo states.
Aliyu highlighted an incident in June 2024, where unknown gunmen attacked the Okigwe community in Imo State, resulting in the death of seven Northerners and the destruction of their property.
He noted that “despite numerous complaints to relevant authorities, no decisive actions have been taken, raising fears that such attacks might become a recurring issue.”
Aliyu urged President Tinubu to order an unbiased investigation into the killings and ensure justice is served.
He also called for proactive measures to prevent future attacks, urging security agencies to collaborate on intelligence sharing to curb the violence.
The group further demanded compensation for victims from the affected state governments, emphasizing that Northerners living in the South deserve the same protection and peaceful coexistence that Southerners enjoy in the North.
The NSNCM, however, reiterated its commitment to peace, stating that it would not resort to reprisals despite the provocation.
The group urged the president to intervene swiftly to restore peace and ensure that justice prevails.
