CNG, Police Differ On Alleged Attack On Northerners In Imo

Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) said it has taken stock of events unfolding in Imo State in the past two days, noting especially, the official rampage on northern settlements allegedly ordered by Governor Hope Uzodimma.

The group in a statement by the spokesperson, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman

noted how alleged armed detachments of the Nigerian Army, the police and assortments of armed thugs were unleashed by the governor with clear orders to destroy, demolish, burn every structure and assets belonging to the peaceful northern settlers of three communities from Thursday 27th to Friday 28th July, 2023.

CNG noted also that the embers of this hate campaigns and propaganda being pursued by Uzodimma and other regional and ethnic agitators were ignited and incessantly fanned by Nnamdi Kanu using the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and other authors of mindless violence and separatism.

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“We are also aware that Nnamdi Kanu, Hope Uzodimma and other perpetrators of violence relentlessly pursuing this agenda of destruction and collective mayhem are fervently hoping it will engulf the entire country and bring about another civil war and mass killings and suffering of innocent people,” the group alleged.

It also alleged that the latest organised arson in Imo State left in its wake thousands of shops and houses completely burnt, properties worth billions of Naira destroyed and looted and thousands of northerners living and conducting legitimate businesses forcefully ejected, displaced and deprived.

It claimed that the state-sponsored arsonists who arrived without prior notice, heavily armed with assorted arms including an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), boldly saying the “northerners should leave their land”, sacked Nakede Number One and completely destroyed 1300 shops and houses with the over 2,500 inhabitants displaced, dispossessed and run out of legitimate businesses.

“At Abu Junction Ama Hausa, the largest northern settlement with a population of 4000 settlers, the arsonists destroyed a total of 3500 shops, 1500 houses and forced 150 persons back to the North while rendering thousands of others homeless with no means of livelihood.

“Arungo Park, Onitsha Road with total population of over 3000 was also attacked, completely sacked and the residents displaced. It is noteworthy that both Abu junction and Nakede Number One which were sacked, have a history of 11 years of existence and Arugo Park six years.”

Meanwhile, the state commissioner of police, Mohammed Barde, has described the story of attacks against northerners as fake news, insisting that the state is peaceful and that law-abiding citizens are going about their businesses unmolested.

In a press statement yesterday, Barde said there was no truth in the allegations.

“I invite you here this afternoon to clear some misleading reports making the rounds on social media alleging that hoodlums attacked and burnt the popular Hassan Market Avu which is not true.

“For the purpose of clarity, I wish to inform you that the incident that happened at the market was a fire outbreak that led to loss of properties.  No life was lost in the inferno and it’s under investigation and the outcome of our investigation will be made known to the public.

“I am pleased to inform you that the Governor of Imo State Hope Uzodinma has been informed and directed arrangements be made for him to meet with those affected,” he said.

Barde reassured the public of the command’s commitment to the protection of lives and property, and also advised them to disregard the video , as it is the handiwork of mischief makers who want to cause disaffection in the state .

He called on Imolites to disregard the illegal sit-at-home order and go about their lawful businesses without fear of molestation or attack.