Northern Elders React To Food Blockade From North To South

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has reacted to the blockade of food items and cattle to the south from the north by the Amalgamated Union of Foodstuffs and cattle Dealers of Nigeria.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, NEF Director of Publicity and Advocacy, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, described the movement of foodstuff and cattle to the south as vital.

Baba-Ahmed noted that the Forum will not, under any guise, abandon northerners to the lawlessness of fellow citizens.

He lamented the attacks on northerners and expressed dismay over the failure of the authorities to put an end to the insecurity which is turning into a food crisis, especially for southerners.

Baba-Ahmed, however, said that the forum has been in touch with the union in the last few days and will help resolve the situation.

He said: “The Northern Elders Forum has been in touch with the union in the last few days and understands their grievances.

“The movement of goods and services is vital, but it is threatened to the degree of insecurity of those involved in the activity.

“The whole nation knows that northerners and northern interests have been attacked, harassed and intimidated in the last few weeks without any provocations. Drivers and others conveying goods worth hundreds of millions have been attacked, looted or destroyed.

“We will not abandon northerners to these situations any more than we will encourage the same treatment for non-northerners.

“The Forum is keeping a close eye on developments. The nation should know that producers, transporters and distributors from the north are losing millions in this strike which has been forced on them by those who have no respect for the law and security of fellow citizens and the country.

“We will advise the union as appropriate, but our involvement will be contingent on evidence that northerners will be safe as they travel the length and breadth of Nigeria to engage in lawful economic activities.”