AREWA GROUP PROTESTS EDO INSECURITY WITH SIT-AT-HOME ACTION
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
The Arewa Community in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, has begun a sit-at-home protest over what it described as the persecution of its members amid rising insecurity in the town and other parts of Edo North.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by community leader Chief Bawa Mohammed, the protest started on Friday and is intended to draw the attention of authorities to the concerns of northern residents in Edo North.
Mohammed said most Northern Nigerians living in Auchi are law-abiding individuals pursuing better opportunities, stressing that criminal acts are often committed by only a small minority.
“The sit-at-home, which began on Friday, is meant to draw the attention of the authorities to our plight, as we are being persecuted for the actions of a few,” he said.
“Criminal elements often live and move quietly among law-abiding citizens. Vigilance and cooperation from all residents are essential to ensure such individuals do not operate freely within the community.
“Most of us are here for economic reasons, while some fled insecurity in Northern Nigeria in search of a better life. We are law-abiding people,” he said.
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He further stressed that many northerners living in Auchi are economic migrants who relocated to the town in pursuit of safety and improved livelihoods, with some escaping violence in parts of Northern Nigeria.
Chief Bawa Mohammed emphasised the need for collective efforts to tackle security challenges, urging both the host community and northern residents to collaborate in identifying and isolating individuals involved in criminal activities.
“Ensuring public safety is a collective responsibility. Residents must remain united, uphold mutual respect, and support efforts aimed at preventing criminal activities from taking root in their communities,” he added.
A resident, Ehiz, also pointed to the economic implications of the protest, noting that many commercial activities in Auchi depend heavily on northern residents.
“The consequences could be significant. About 80 per cent of commercial motorcyclists in Auchi are Hausa, and motorcycles account for roughly 95 per cent of transportation in the area.
“This same group also provides over 90 per cent of auxiliary services, including cobbling, mobile tailoring, construction labour, and other services.
“In simple terms, they play a major role in the commercial life of Auchi,” he said.
The development comes amid a series of kidnapping incidents in Edo North, which have heightened tensions between indigenes and non-indigenous residents.
Authorities have stepped up security operations, with the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and other security agencies reportedly arresting more than 100 suspected kidnappers so far this year.
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