Northern elders raise concerns over killing of northerners in South

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has expressed deep concerns over rising cases of profiling and killing of northerners in many parts of southern Nigeria, especially the South East.  

The director of publicity and advocacy of the NEF, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, made the position of the Forum known in a statement yesterday. 

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The NEF stated, “The recent murder of Nigeriens in Imo State, apparently on suspicion that they were northerners, is one incident among many recent ones that involve harassments, illegal arrests, attacks and killing of Nigerians from the North. 

“It would appear that groups that target northerners draw inspiration from the silence of leaders and the absence of appropriate response from security and other law enforcement agencies.

“The Forum draws attention once again to the dangers of these escalating incidents and provocations. The impression that northerners are fair game for groups and organisations in the South is forcing northerners to exercise their rights to travel and live peacefully in any part of Nigeria, only under great danger and fear. This is intolerable and unacceptable,” he said.  

The Forum demands that governments, communities and law enforcement agencies protect northerners living in the South.