Kaduna State government has obtained a bench warrant for the arrest of leaders of the coalition of Arewa youths that issued a three month notice for all Igbos in the northern part of the country to quit.
It will be recalled that a coalition of Arewa Youths had given Igbos living in all the nineteen northern states to leave by October 1, 2017, while also calling on northerners living in the south eastern part of the country to also return to the north.
Governor Nasir El Rufai had directed security agencies to immediately arrest signatories to the statement giving the quit notice. The ultimatum was later rescinded after much pressure from northern governors and strong condemnation from prominent Nigerians.
But addressing a press conference in Kaduna yesterday, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan, said the bench warrant was obtained against the signatories to the quit notice because Kaduna State government considered the issue as the most important matter of law enforcement, and would not relent on the matter.
The statement read: “The Kaduna State government notes with commendation the efforts of the residents of our diverse state to uphold peace in their communities.
”The government and the security agencies are working to prevent any threats to this cherished harmony. Vigorous security patrols will continue as part of concrete action to reassure residents and demonstrate that bad behaviour is unwelcome and will not be tolerated.
“When some elements barged into our state capital to deliver an illegal ultimatum to a section of our community, the government condemned it and ordered the arrest of those concerned.
The Kaduna State Government followed up with a formal criminal complaint to the police, and has obtained a bench warrant against them.”
