Governor Bello Matawalle has warned of possible reprisals against southerners living in the North.

“If northerners and their means of livelihood will not be protected, accommodated, and be dignified anywhere they choose to stay in any part of the South, southerners should not expect protection from the North,” he said.

Mr Matawalle further warned, “The North has more than what it takes to respond to any kind of aggression and hatred.” 

In the last couple of years, the northern region has witnessed a steep rise in violent crimes and insurgency.

In a statement on Thursday, the governor pointed out that northern leaders’ “dignified silence” in the face of constant provocation and assault “because of our desire for peace” must not be taken as a sign of weakness.

In a spoiling-for-war tone, Mr Matawalle accused southern governors and other leaders of turning a blind eye to the unwarranted violent attacks on northerners in the South. He cited the attacks in Shasha and Imo.

“We have seen the destruction, the killings, and the devastation recently at Sasha market against northerners and their economic interests. Some of them have shamefully gone to the extent of apportioning blames on the victims and casualties of their aggression,” Mr Matawalle stated.

Speaking further, he noted, “Last Sunday’s killings of innocent northerners in Imo is one too many, and no matter how we love peace, leaders with conscience and fear of God must speak out against this continued barbarism and hatred.

“We will not take that any longer as no human life is worthier than another.”

He pointed out that if push came to shove, the country’s southern region would suffer more.

“In fact, in a crisis situation, the South has more to lose in terms of its business interests in the North and the strategic nature they established themselves in the North than northerners living in the South. The North is very much aware of such weaknesses and disadvantages the South is exposed.

“Simple statistics on instances of unprovoked attacks against northerners and their economic interests in the South in recent times can tell who is more tolerant, accommodating and peaceful between criminal elements and their backers that are well known in sponsoring such hatred and attacks against northerners in the South, and our own people,” he was quoted as saying in the statement according to The Nation.