Ikoro Mbaise Global Forum has condemned in strong terms the destruction of Igbo property in Sokoto and attacks on Christian churches in parts of the State following protests that followed the arrest of suspects in the killing of Deborah Samuel Yakubu, a student of the Shehu Shagari College of Education who was accused of alleged blasphemy.
The Forum, in a statement by Hon. Arch. Chukwunyere Ikwu (President & Group Admin.) and Hon. Uzoma Nwagwu (Secretary General), also called on Gov. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, as the Chief Security officer of Sokoto state, to ensure the protection of Igbos in the state and liaise with other Northern state’s governors to forestall any further attacks on Igbos.
Pointing out that the protesters, apart from attacking churches also invaded the Igbo dominated “Market in Sabo Tasha, destroying and looting Igbo shops,” the statement also condemned “these bizarre attacks on Igbos who have done nothing wrong other than seeking legitimate means of livelihood,” stressing that “the lives and properties of Igbos remain sacrosanct, and must be protected as a guaranteed constitutional right.”
Insisting that the declaration of 24-hour curfew to douse the protests is not enough, the Forum advised Gov. Tambuwal to take heightened security measures to restore normalcy and guarantee the lives and properties of Igbos, as well as ensure immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved in the mayhem.
While sympathizing with all Igbos who were adversely impacted by the destructions, the group urged them to take proactive actions to ensure their safety, promising that “Ikoro Mbaise Global Forum will remain vigilant, vocal, determined, focused and resolute to defend peaceful co-existence, right to life of Igbos in Nigeria and globally.”
