Abia killing meant to provoke North, don’t retaliate – Islamic group tells Muslim traders

The Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has reacted to the killing of Northern traders in a cattle market in Abia State.

MURIC urged Northerners not to retaliate the death of about eight traders and cows killed in Abia State last week.

The Islamic group said the appeal was aimed at ensuring that peace reigns in the country.

The incident occurred at the New Cattle Market in Omumauzor, Ukwa West Local Government Area of the State.

However, the group said the killing was meant to provoke the North.

A statement by MURIC’s Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said: “About fifteen (15) Northern traders and 150 cows belonging to the victims were killed in Abia State last week. The killings occurred on Tuesday, 15th February, 2022 at the New Cattle Market in Omumauzor, Ukwa West Local Government Area of the state.

“Although we are aware that this is not the first time such dastardly act would occur in South-Eastern Nigeria, we strongly appeal to Northerners not to contemplate retaliation. Our main reason for the appeal is the need for peace in the country at this point in time when we are approaching the end of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“We charge Northerners to remain patient and law-abiding. This attack in Abia in particular was intended to provoke the North into counter-killings which may spiral into another orgy of violence culminating in a civil war. The North should not even bite the bait, talk less of swallowing it. The cost is too high.

“Our records show that this has occurred several times particularly in the last seven years without the North attempting to retaliate once. We salute both the Northern youths and elders and urge them to hold on and continue the display of maturity and reticence.”