The Avu Kingdom in Imo State has disassociated itself from the recent arsonist attacks and destructions on Northern settlements and businesses at Hausa Market, Avu, on Friday and condemned the act as barbaric.
A statement by the Duruihekaibeya VIII of Avu, HRH Eze Michael Okere, described the cordial relationship between the Indigenous people and the Northern settlers which he said has been cordial and free of any form of conflicts.
The traditional ruler said that there was never a time the Avu Kingdom requested the support of the Sarkin Hausawa to eject the Northern settlers from the market as falsely claimed.
He said: “I, on behalf of the good and loving people of Avu Kingdom hereby disassociates ourselves from this barbaric act that took place at Hausa Market Avu on Friday 28th July, 2023 and condemn it in its totality.
“We use this medium to disassociate ourselves that at no time did my people have issues with the Hausa Community. We have good cordial relationship and will not even think of this evil act. There is no time the Traditional Ruler of Avu Kingdom requested the assistance of Sarikin Hausa to come to our rescue or wrote him a protest letter to aid us remove the presence of ‘Hausa Community in Avu Kingdom’.
“If we have any issue with the Hausa Community, we have the capacity to handle such and not to seek aid from who we are better placed in terms of capacity, personality and organizational drive. We believe in live and let live.
“We share in your grief and request that you remain calm while we seek solutions to remedy the damage,” the Duruihekaibeya VIII of Avu said.
