Tension in Edo as Hausa Community Declares Sit-at-Home Over Kidnapping Allegations

Members of the Hausa community in Auchi, Edo State, have begun a sit-at-home protest following rising tensions linked to persistent kidnapping incidents in the area.

The protest comes after a series of unrests in the town, where residents had earlier demonstrated against what they described as increasing cases of abductions and insecurity. Reports indicate that kidnappers in the area often demand ransoms running into tens of millions of naira, fueling anger among locals.

According to community sources, many Hausa residents decided to suspend business activities and remain indoors to draw attention to what they describe as intimidation and hostility directed at their community amid the security crisis.

The development follows violent incidents in parts of Auchi where angry youths reportedly attacked sections of the Hausa quarters, setting homes and shops ablaze as frustration over repeated kidnappings boiled over.

Eyewitness accounts say the unrest was triggered by mounting accusations from some indigenes who blame elements within the migrant population for the rising insecurity. The youths allegedly demanded that Hausa residents without permanent addresses leave the community, further escalating tensions.

Security operatives, including personnel of the Nigerian Army, were deployed to restore calm and prevent the crisis from spiralling into wider communal violence.

Meanwhile, community leaders and residents have called on government authorities and security agencies to urgently address the wave of kidnappings in the area and ensure the safety of all residents regardless of ethnic background.

The situation remains tense as authorities continue efforts to prevent further clashes and restore normalcy in the Edo North community.