The Professor Ango Abdullahi-led Northern Elders Forum has condemned the recent eviction order issued to northerners residing in Abavo, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, describing it as “unprovoked” and “discriminatory”.
The order, which fails to distinguish between northerners and criminal individuals, unfairly generalises that all cattle herders or northerners are responsible for the crimes of some herdsmen, according to the Hausa Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation(BBC) report.
However, the NEF argued that the action eroded the consciousness of peaceful co-existence among different tribes in Nigeria and violated the country’s laws that guarantee the right to live and earn a legitimate livelihood in any part of Nigeria without facing discrimination.
This was contained in a statement released by the NEF’s Director, Publicity and Advocacy, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman in Kaduna on Wednesday.
The Forum expressed sadness over the persistent targeting and vilification of northerners in other regions, despite their values of respect, integrity, and decency.
While urging northerners to exercise restraint and responsibility, the NEF warned that “enough is enough” but added that the Forum would continue to advocate for northerners’ rights to be free from harassment, worship, justice, and full protection as minorities.
The Forum rejected any vilification based on ethnicity or religion while condemning those who perpetrate criminal acts, incite violence and promote lawlessness.
The Northern elders also demanded an immediate review and reversal of the eviction order and an end to the unfair targeting and vilification of northerners residence in other parts of the country.
They called for unity and mutual respect among Nigerians, embracing peace and discarding divisions and discrimination based on ethnicity or religion.
The NEF further urged the federal government to ensure adequate security and safety for northern communities targeted by the order.
The statement said, “the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has expressed its strong condemnation of the recent unprovoked eviction order issued to northerners residing in Abavo, Delta State, as reported by the Hausa Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). This discriminatory action is deeply concerning and wholly unacceptable.
“According to the BBC report, the ejection order fails to distinguish between northerners as a race and the criminal activities of a few individuals. It disregards that most northerners are not Fulani, most Fulani are not cattle herders, and only some cattle herders in Nigeria are Fulani.
“Additionally, it unfairly generalises that the crimes of some herdsmen extend to all cattle herders or northerners. Such sweeping accusations ignore the reality that the vast majority of northerners, including those living outside the North, are peaceful individuals with similar needs, anxieties, and hopes as other Nigerians.
“The NEF is saddened by the persistent unfair targeting and vilification of northerners in other regions of Nigeria. Despite the North’s renowned values of respect, integrity, and decency, its people repeatedly become scapegoats for the nation’s issues, with narratives often distorted to paint them in a negative light.
“In the face of these relentless provocations and unjust treatment as minorities in parts of the South however, the North has remained composed, patient, and committed to national unity and integration.
“A point comes when enough is enough; the North cannot stand idly by as the dignity and integrity of its people are continually threatened.The Forum will therefore continue to advocate for the rights of northerners to be free from illegal harassment in their places of residence and work.”
It added, “Our commitment extends to their rights to worship, justice, and full protection as minorities in other Nigerian communities. Northerners living and conducting lawful businesses in Delta State deserve respect and dignity, not baseless accusations and unwarranted attacks.
“The NEF rejects any vilification based on ethnicity or religion and condemns those who perpetrate criminal acts, incite violence, and promote lawlessness. Targeting any ethnic or religious group is immoral, illegal, and violates our principles of decency. Such actions breach national and international laws, risking dire consequences, including genocide and ethnic cleansing.
“We urge all northerners living outside the North to continue to exercise restraint and responsibility while firmly avoiding any form of discrimination and injustice. The North will not be silenced or intimidated; we will uphold our values and integrity even in the face of adversity.
“We call for an immediate review and reversal of the eviction order against northerners in Abavo. We also demand an end to the unfair targeting and vilification of our people. It is time for all Nigerians to unite in peace and mutual respect, discarding divisions and discrimination based on ethnicity or religion.”