Coalition of Igbo unions Nigeria have faulted the moves to eject northerners from the cattle market in Umunneochi local council of Abia state.

Led by Mr Obinna John Okoroafor, the group in a statement warned that the measure will surely have a negative boomerang effect on Igbo traders in the North and across Nigeria.

The group maintained that the plight of Northern Traders in the Cattle market if not handled satisfactorily will set a dangerous precedent which will ignite violence and clashes in various parts of Nigeria against Igbos.

They thereby distanced themselves from what they termed the “reckless utterances and thoughtless actions” of Governor Alex Otti whom they believe is playing to the gallery for political gains.

They also condemned the indiscriminate demolition of shops and residential homes and demand that alternatives be provided for Northerners without delay.

They thereby gave Governor Otti a 48 Hours ultimatum to rescind the decision in the interest of sustained peaceful and harmonious relationship among Nigerians.

According to the group: “We remain Nigerians and are committed to the actualization of a peaceful and just environment for all Nigerians irrespective of ethnicity, religion or tribe.

“We urge the Security Agencies to redouble their efforts in curbing the menace of Kidnapping and criminality in Umunneochi, Abia State and Nigeria in general.

“While we acknowledge the importance of Security of lives and property of all Nigerians living in every part of the Country, we strongly condemn and dissociate ourselves from the ethnic profiling being perpetrated by Mr Alex Otti against our brothers from Northern Nigeria doing business at the Umunneochi Cattle Market.

“This is because the thoughtless move by Alex Otti to forcefully eject the Northern businesses at the Cattle market will have a negative boomerang effect on Igbo traders in the North and across Nigeria.

“We have observed with grave displeasure that Mr Alex Otti is selectively persecuting Northerners in the Market instead of taking a holistic approach that confronts the criminality going on in the Area.”