The violent Wednesday’s pro-Biafra protests in Onitsha,
Anambra state, caused many members of the Hausa
community to seek safety and stop their business
activities.
A correspondent of ThePunch visited the affected areas
on Saturday, December 5. It has been observed that many
shoe menders, barbecue sellers, green grocers and other
allied workers of northern origin prefered to keep their
businesses shut.
The decision to keep shops closed down is explained by
the fear of renewed attacks. Many people were
scampering for safety at the barracks of the Nigerian
army and nearby police stations.
“After the crisis, most of them only came out in the night to
do brisk businesses and disappear again,” a local resident
told the reporter.
It was not possible to learn more from people being
affected by the pro-Biafra mayhem. Most of the
endangered people were camping at the Military
Cantonment Central Mosque. However, none of them
were willing to talk on the matter with the stranger.
However, the police reassured of being in control of the
situation.
DSP Ali Okechechukwu, the state police public relations
officer, called on the people of Anambra to go on with
their businesses without any fear of molestation.
“The situation is calm. Nobody should be afraid or hide.
The police have brought back normalcy to Onitsha after the
storm and we are ever prepared to sustain the peace and
order in Onitsha,” he said.
Pro-Biafra protests went really violent on Wednesday,
December 2. At least nine people were reportedly dead in
clashes, including two police sergeants. The Onitsha
central mosque, a nomadic school and many other
objects belonging to the Hausa community were either
damaged or destroyed.
The northern governors condemned the violence in strong
words. Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno state, who
spoke on their behalf, said firm measures would be taken
to prevent the violence from spreading, especially to the
Boko Haram-torn northeast.
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