The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has raised alarm about the profiling and killing of northerners in various regions of southern Nigeria, particularly the South East.
In a press statement, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the spokesperson for NEF noted that the killings of Northerners in the South-East but failed to quote any data to support it.
“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.
Governments, communities, and law enforcement are required by the Forum to provide protection for northerners residing in the South.
