Monarch Tells Igbo: Don’t Trust Arewa Youths, Prepare Against Oct 1 Deadline

Igbo in Northern Nigeria have been urged to be wary so as not to be taken unawares by the Arewa Youths.

This advice is from His Royal Highness Igwe Barr Martin Ezeh, the traditional ruler of Igbo-Ukwu Kingdom in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

His warning comes on the heels of persistent threats from Arewa Youths to the Igbo to heed to its October 1 quit notice.

Igwe Ezeh said while he wouldn’t incite anyone to be violent, the monarch said the ‘war drums’ being beaten by both Arewa and Igbo youths calls for everyone to be security-conscious.

The monarch has charged the Ohaneze Ndigbo to take immediate steps at ensuring that both regions don’t make a repetition of the 30-month Nigeria-Biafra civil war.

“I do not advise the Igbo in the North to return home. But because of the Arewa youths’ persistence that our people should go, the Igbo should rather be cautious of their environments so that they would not be taken unawares.

“Leaders of both sides should reach an understanding. As a traditional ruler, I must preach love and I cannot preach violence. If by the crossfire of hate speeches, the country is plunged into another senseless war the youths would be held responsible,” he said.

“The authorities responsible for the restructuring of this country should expedite action so as to douse the tension already created by people agitating for self determination.

“To keep on delaying this restructuring or waving it away is not the best option for this country. It is rather dangerous and that poses a threat to the peace and stability of this country,” he warned.