Imo Market Crisis: NCM urges independent committee, compensation for victims
From Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
In the wake of the recent Avu market crisis in Imo State, Southeastern Nigeria, the National President of the Northern Consensus Movement (NCM), Dr. Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu, has called for the establishment of an independent seven-member committee.
The committee’s mandate is to thoroughly investigate both the immediate and underlying causes of the unfortunate incident.
Dr. Aliyu made this appeal during a press conference in Kaduna, where he expressed concern over the magnitude of property loss and stressed the need for swift action.
The Avu market crisis resulted in substantial property damage, with millions of Naira worth of assets lost. Dr. Aliyu criticized Alhaji Auwal Baba Saidu Sulaiman, the Sarkin Hausawa of Imo State, for allegedly downplaying the incident by referring to it as mere rumors.
He further stated that these claims were not only misleading but also aimed at disturbing the nation’s peace and unity. Dr. Aliyu highlighted the Northern Consensus Movement’s discomfort with the unfolding situation, as described by the Sarkin Hausawa.
In a press release, HRH EZE Micheal Okere V. JP. Duruihekaibeya VIII of Avu Kingdom, Imo State, distanced themselves from the violent act that transpired at the Hausa Community Market in Avu on July 28, 2023. The Avu Kingdom’s representative condemned the incident and expressed solidarity with the affected victims.
While the Sarkin Hausawa denied any attack on the Hausa Community, verified information confirmed substantial property losses due to the conflict.
The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Barde, clarified that an inferno had gutted the Avu Market, countering allegations that three markets had been intentionally set ablaze.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State expressed deep concern over the Avu Market crisis and pledged compensation for the affected victims.
The NCM continues to call for peace and restraint among Northern and Eastern youths, urging them not to resort to violence. The NCM emphasizes its commitment to pursuing legal and authoritative channels for seeking justice and lasting solutions.
