Hausa community in Auchi , Edo State have began a sit-at- home protest, amid growing concerns of insecurity caused by incessant kidnapping in Edo North and other parts of the state.
According to Chief Bawa Muhammed , one of the leaders of Arewa people in Auchi, the
sit-at-home protest became necessary to address unjust prosecution and stereotype that sees every Northerner as a kidnapper
In a statement he signed and made available to journalists, he called for calm, vigilance, and cooperation among residents of Auchi , noting that criminal activities are often carried out by a small minority whose actions tend to be highly visible, even though the majority of people from Northern Nigeria living in Auchi are law-abiding residents seeking better opportunities.
According to him, many northerners residing in the town are economic migrants who have moved to Auchi in search
of safety and improved livelihoods, with some also fleeing violence in parts of Northern Nigeria.He emphasized that the presence of a few criminal elements should not define the broader Northern community, many of whom have lived peacefully in Auchi for years due to the town’s welcoming and accommodating nature.
Chief Muhammed, however, stressed the need for collective action in addressing security concerns. He called on both the host community and residents from the North to work together in identifying and isolating individuals involved in criminal activities.
“Criminals often live and move quietly among law-abiding citizens,” he stated, adding that vigilance and cooperation from all residents are necessary to ensure such individuals do not operate freely within the community.
He further noted that ensuring public safety is a shared responsibility and urged residents to remain united, maintain mutual respect, and support efforts aimed at preventing criminality from taking root within their neighborhoods.
