Nigerians from the southern parts of the country resident in the northern commercial capital Kano State are now in panic following last Wednesday’s (July 16) two-week quit notice served southerners in the North by the Arewa Youth Development Foundation (AYDF).

Indication to this effect emerged after an emergency meeting of the Ethnic Traditional Leaders Forum in Kano, which consists of traditional rulers of the South-West, South-East and South-South regions.

A press release signed by His Highness Alhaji Abdullahi Salihu, Oba Yoruba, Deacon Fred Akhigbe (Enogie), and Igwe Boniface Ibekwe expressed their fears and also condemned the threat by the northern youth group that non-northerners residing in any part of the North should relocate to their various regions of origin within two weeks to give way for northerners coming back home.

The traditional rulers further declared that there is no iota of truth in the accusation of harassment of northerners in the South as contained in the statement signed by the AYDF National President, Aliyu Usman, a lawyer.

They, therefore, charged the Federal Government and the relevant security agencies to treat seriously the threats made by AYDF in the interest of all.

“We, as leaders, distance ourselves from the tumultuous intolerance being exhibited by AYDF as non-indigenes whose main task as true Nigerians is to preach unity and peaceful co-existence for the good of all,” the royal fathers said.

They advised southerners in the North to stay put and continue to do their lawful businesses even as they implored the southern governors not to join the mischief-makers working against the sustenance of a united Nigeria.

“We shall not be a party to the agenda of failed leadership whose allegiance is to their cabals of origin masquerading as “owners of Nigeria” instead of building a more united, stronger and progressive nation, the group said.

AYDF had on Wednesday charged northern governors to come up with deliberate policies compelling southerners residing in the North to immediately obtain settlers permit.

It made the call during a protest rally held at the palace of Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi 11, where they presented their petition to the new monarch, alleging that northerners in the South were subjected to intimidation and harassment.

The youths, who are believed to be fronting for some interests in the state, carried placards that rained unprintable abuses on the people of southern Nigeria.

They also challenged their governors to take practical steps to ensure the immediate release of northerners currently detained in the South while asking the Federal Government to bring an end to the killings and destruction in the region.

•Adapted from a Sunday Sun report. Photo shows Emir of Kano, Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II, discussing with the State Governor, Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

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