Arewa Community Begins Sit-at-Home Protest Over Alleged Persecution in Edo North

Members of the Arewa community living in Auchi, located in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, have begun a sit-at-home protest to express concerns over what they describe as harassment and persecution linked to rising insecurity in the area and across Edo North.

The protest, which started on Friday, was confirmed in a statement released on Sunday by the community leader, Chief Bawa Mohammed. He explained that the action was intended to draw the attention of relevant authorities to the challenges being faced by northern residents in the region.

According to Mohammed, most northerners living in Auchi are peaceful individuals pursuing legitimate livelihoods, stressing that criminal acts in the area are committed by only a few people.

“The sit-at-home protest began on Friday to highlight the difficulties we are facing because of crimes committed by a small number of individuals,” he said.

He noted that criminals often blend into communities unnoticed, making it important for residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security efforts to prevent such elements from operating freely.

Mohammed also explained that many northerners in Auchi moved to the town in search of economic opportunities, while others relocated after fleeing insecurity in parts of Northern Nigeria.

“We are here mainly for business and survival, and many of us escaped violence in the North to find safety and better opportunities here. We are law-abiding citizens,” he added.

He called for unity between the host community and northern residents, stressing that both groups must work together to identify and isolate individuals involved in criminal activities.

“Maintaining security is everyone’s responsibility. Residents must stay united, respect one another, and support measures that prevent crime within our communities,” Mohammed said.

Meanwhile, a local resident identified as Ehiz warned that the protest could significantly affect economic activities in Auchi, as many sectors depend heavily on northern residents.

He explained that around 80 per cent of commercial motorcyclists in the town are Hausa, while motorcycles account for nearly 95 per cent of transportation within the area.

He further added that northerners also dominate several essential services, including shoe repairs, mobile tailoring, and manual labour in construction.

“In simple terms, they play a major role in the local economy and daily commercial activities in Auchi,” Ehiz said.

The protest comes amid growing tension following a series of kidnapping incidents in Edo North, which have strained relations between local residents and non-indigenes.

Security agencies, including the police and the Nigerian Army, have reportedly intensified operations in the area and arrested more than 100 suspected kidnappers so far this year.