Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger State has deployed armed security personnel in Minna, just as Igbo call for the arrest and prosecution of those killing of Hausa people in Abia and River states.
The deployment of security operatives in and outside the metropolis is to forestall any attempt to foment ethnic crisis and prevent reprisal attacks on Igbo people.
The deployment has received applaud of Igbo residents, who have been living in fear since reports emerged on the attacks on Hausa in the east.
Mr. Innocent James, a resident of Saukahuta, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna that but for the timely intervention of the governor, Minna would have been burning now.
“Miscreants were about to start looting shops at Chanchaga, Saukahuta , Bosso and , city gates but were stopped by security agents.’’
He said the deployment of security personnel in strategic locations in the metropolis saved the situation.
He said that if not because of the various security measures in place miscreants would have started killings and cause confusions in the state.
He also commended religious leaders for coming out with educative programmes on radio and television educating residents on dangers involved in killing innocent people.
“Nigeria would continue to remain one nation with a common goal of purposeful development,” Mr. Peter Okafor of Chanchaga told NAN, adding, “Bad ones among our people should be called to order by their elders and community leaders.’’
“I strongly challenge elder statesmen in the east to call the youths to order and educate them on the need for peaceful co-existence in their respective geo-political zones.
“I have been in Niger for 43 years; where do you want me to go, our traditional and religious leaders should continue to preach love among the diverse communities in our domains.”
Alhaji Moshood Abdulkarim, a Yoruba community leader in Kwatugi said Nigeria was brought together by an act of God.
“We must be seen to be promoting peace to enable federal and state governments put in place capital projects that will enhance our wellbeing,” he said .
Mr. Marin Benjamin of Minna central market commended the South-East Governors’ Forum for proscribing activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
He said that such decision would strengthen the nation hard-earned unity and guarantee the lives of Nigerians.
Benjamin wants the federal government to fish out and prosecute all those involved in killings of innocent Nigerians in Abia and River states.
He observed that prosecuting them would guarantee the lives of Nigerians especially those in the northern part of the country.
He called on the federal government to also equip the Nigeria Police Force to enable them provide adequate security.
