EndSARS: Ohanaeze, Arewa youths agree on safety of people in south-east, north

EndSARS: Ohanaeze, Arewa youths agree on safety of people in south-east, north

- Major youth groups in the country have commenced moves to de-escalate the current tension in the country

- The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide and the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum have reached out to each other

- The groups are ensuring that no ethnic-induced violence breaks out amid the looting and arson recorded in certain states

PAY ATTENTION: Win a prize of N115,000, N75000 or N38000: participate in Big Naija Independence contest by Legit.ng

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide (OYC) has commended the leadership of Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) and other northern youth groups for the maturity exhibited in the midst of the current crisis across Nigeria.

The OYC has however agreed with their northern counterparts on the protection of their people in both regions.

In a statement made available to journalists on Friday, October 23, the Igbo youths denied allegations of molestation of northerners in the south-east.

Read also

Sanwo-Olu inaugurates judicial panel of enquiry to investigate police brutality

The statement signed by the president-general and secretary-general of the OYC, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, respectively said the two organisations have agreed to ensure the protection of their people in their various region.

EndSARS: Ohanaeze, Arewa youths agree on safety of people in south-east, north
Shettima, AYCF chairman, is working to ensure unity among the various ethnic youth groups. Photo credit: Emmanuel Osodi
Source: Original

PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigeria’s #1 news app

Part of the statement read:

“Irrespective of fictitious reports trending in social media, northerners are safe, there's no evidence of killings of northerners anywhere in the south-east. South-east remains a safe haven for all Nigerians.
“OYC urgently reached out to the leadership of Arewa youths to ensure that safety of Igbos in the 19 northern states were guaranteed, in the interests of national unity and peaceful co-existence.
“We have the assurances of Northern Youths led by the President of Arewa Consultative Youth Forum, Alhaji Yerima Shettima that the safety and security of Igbos are guaranteed in the North and there will be no attacks or purported threats on the lives and properties of Igbos in the North.
“OYC in return described this gesture exhibited by northern youths as an act of patriotism and building up trust and commitment towards promoting peace, unity and security and it will be reciprocated in the east, as we assure the safety of northerners in the south-east.’’

The statement condemned the killings of unarmed protesters at the Lekki area of Lagos state.

The group added:

“We call on #EndSARS protesters to allow peace to return to the south, as untold misery and hardships had befallen Nigerians amidst the protests.’’

Meanwhile, a group, Civil Society Groups for Good Governance (CSGGG) has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his nationwide address to Nigerians over the escalating crisis in some parts of the country.

CSGGG convener, Comrade Ogakwu Dominic, in a statement sent to journalists on Friday, October 23 described the president's address to the citizenry as reassuring.

He, however, called on the president to take a step further and probe the looting and arson witnessed in some parts of the country by thugs masquerading as protesters.

Army officers, residents stop hoodlums from attacking bank, offices in Festac Town | Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Jerrywright Ukwu avatar

Jerrywright Ukwu Jerrywright Ukwu is an Abuja-based senior political/defence correspondent. He is a graduate of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos and the International Institute of Journalism in Abuja. He is also a member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists. He spends his leisure-time reading history books. He can be reached via email at jerrywright39@yahoo.com.