EDO JUNGLE JUSTICE: Northern Group Demands Swift Action and Justice Following Uromi Killings, Calls for National Unity
By Usman A Harande
ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Nineteen Seventeen Northern Consensus Movement (NSNCM), a coalition representing 597 Northern associations across Nigeria, has issued an urgent call for action following the recent killings in Uromi, Edo State. In a press conference held amidst the Ramadan and Lent seasons, the group expressed deep concern over the escalating violence targeting Northern citizens in various parts of the country.
Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu, National President of NSNCM, addressed the media, highlighting a series of violent incidents, including those in Enugu, Anambra, and the Sasha Akinyele region, where Northern lives and properties were lost. He emphasized the continued, often unreported, attacks and property confiscations faced by Northerners.
“We are here today to address the heinous acts committed in Uromi, Edo State, where annual hunters, returning home for the Sallah festivities, were brutally murdered,” Aliyu stated. “These were not new faces; they were known individuals engaged in legitimate trade, supplying ‘bush meat’ to markets across Nigeria.”
The NSNCM demanded immediate and decisive action from both federal and state governments. Key requests include:
- Swift Justice: The immediate apprehension and prosecution of those responsible for the Uromi killings.
- Compensation: Fair compensation for the families of the victims.
- Government Action: Fulfillment of past promises of compensation for victims of similar violence.
- National Unity: A call for reciprocal peaceful treatment of all Nigerians, regardless of their region of origin.
- Joint Board of Enquiry: The establishment of a joint board of enquiry, including federal and state governments, security agencies, the judiciary, and Northern civil society organizations, to investigate, prosecute, and recommend measures to prevent future incidents.
- Proactive Governmental Measures: A visit to the victims and addressing the governments proactive measures in ensuring their rights and freedom of movement and association, their rightful stake in the affairs and engagement in our country as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
- Intergovernmental Dialogue: Northern governors, senators, house of representative members, and ministers to engage with their Southern counterparts to address the crisis and calm tensions.
- Cessation of Attacks: A plea for Eastern, Southern, and Western indigenes to cease attacks on Northern citizens to avoid reprisals.
Aliyu acknowledged the statements from the Presidency and the Edo State government, urging them to follow through with concrete actions. He also commended the security agencies and state governments that condemned the violence.
“We cannot trade our sovereignty, unity, trust, and love for one another to some misguided miscreants,” Aliyu asserted.
The NSNCM has established a five-member committee to conduct a fact-finding mission in Uromi and will closely monitor the investigation and prosecution of the offenders.
“We will monitor all actions and inactions with a view of stepping in at the appropriate time for a positive impact towards a long-lasting solution,” Aliyu concluded.
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