Avu community crisis: Northern Group calls for independent investigation

From Femi  Oyelola, Kaduna

Following the reported crisis in Avu Community in Imo State and the alleged attack on Hausa Community Market, the  Northern Consensus Movement (NCM) has called for constitution of an independent seven-man committee to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the crisis, and make recommendations which will be forwarded to the appropriate authority for quick action.

The  President  of NCM  Comrade  Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu disclosed this in a statement made available to the media yesterday, in Kaduna.

The statement notef that there are conflicting reports about the incident and the truth must be unveiled to find lasting solutions.

The statement further stated that Alhaji Auwal Baba Saidu Sulaiman, the Sarkin Hausawa, Imo State, and the Traditional ruler and Sarkin Hausawa of Northern Communities in Imo State, has dismissed the alleged attack on the Northerners dwelling in the Avu Community, describing it as rumor and misleading.

The statement explained that in his remark EZE Micheal Okere, Duruihekaibeya VIII of Avu Kingdom of Imo State, disassociated themselves from the barbaric act that took place in the Hausa Community Market in Avu on Friday 28th July 2023, and condemned it in its totality.

He said they have a better and cordial relationship with the Hausa Community, and will not think of the evil act that was perpetrated on the Avu market traders.

Similarly, the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma expressed concern about the unfortunate crisis in Avu Market, while promising to pay compensation to the affected victims.

“Even though Sarkin Hausawa in his press reports denied what happened to the Hausa Community in Avu Market, information reaching us confirmed the conflict which affected the loss of properties worth millions of Naira destroyed.

“It is disheartening to note that some unscrupulous elements have constituted themselves into maiming and killing of innocent Northern lives.

“It is as a result of this disturbing development that the Northern Consensus Movement (NCM) called for an independent Seven man committee to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the unfortunate crises and make recommendations which will be forwarded to the appropriate authority for quick action.

“Finally, the Northern Consensus Movement (NCM) will continue its call for Peace and Calm from the Northern Youths, both from the Northern States and Eastern States so as not to take the laws into their hands, as we will do everything possible to reach appropriate authorities and bring lasting solutions to this barbaric, inhuman, unhealthy and dangerous unwholesome activities from unpatriotic South Easterners, and we call for justice for those that suffered any kind of financial and human losses”, the  Statement read.