Don't use Uromi killings to cause trouble in North, MBF warns

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has warned against the activities of some troublemakers in the North who may be plotting to unleash mayhem on Southerners, following the the unfortunate killings in Uromi, Edo State.

The people of Middle Belt said that while they unanimously condemned the mob action in Uromi against the Northern travellers, there is a need to avoid any retaliation by the unleashing crisis in the North.

In a statement by the spokesman of the MBF, Luka Binniyat on Wednesday, the Forum said it “is aware of inflammatory threats and unguarded statements from certain disgruntled elements claiming to defend the interests of the Arewa North following the unacceptable extrajudicial killing of 16 citizens in Uromi, Edo State, last week.”

He said that those individuals attacked, “reportedly armed hunters, were traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano when they met their untimely death at the hands of mobs who accused them of being kidnappers.”

According to him, “While the MBF strongly condemns the unlawful killing of any Nigerian citizen, including the Uromi killings, we categorically reject any attempt to use this tragic incident as a pretext to unleash violence against Southerners residing in Northern Nigeria.

“We firmly state that the Middle Belt denounces such threats and will not be turned into a violent ground for cowardly attacks on innocent Southerners, regardless of their creed or faith. The Middle Belt shall remain a safe haven for all law-abiding Nigerians, irrespective of their origin.

“We urge our youths and community leaders to remain vigilant and ensure that no person or group instigates violence against Southerners over the Uromi incident. Any such individuals or groups should be disarmed and handed over to the appropriate authorities.

“We assure all Southerners living in the Middle Belt that they have nothing to fear about our people. Our region will continue to uphold peace, justice, and the right of every Nigerian to live, work, and pursue happiness without fear of persecution. For the avoidance of doubt, the Middle Belt comprises Southern Kaduna, Southern Kebbi, Southern Bauchi, Adamawa, Gombe, and Taraba states, as well as the entire North Central geopolitical zone, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).”