FUPA Condemns Arrest Of 486 Northerners In Abia

By Lawal A. Dogara,Kaduna
The Federal University Pensioners Association (FUPA) has expressed its concern over the arrest made by the Nigerian Army of 486 Northerners in Abia State on their way to Port-Harcourt and linking them with Boko Haram.
National President of the Association, Dr Ayuba Audu Kura who expressed his worry and concern in a release he issued in Zaria on Sunday said, the Federal Government should investigate and bring out the result for all Nigerians to understand the true position of the arrested traders.
Dr. Kura said to his understanding, there is a political undertone in this arrest because the 35 vehicles that conveyed them have passed road blocks and check points manned by the Nigerian Army in the northern states and passed successfully, but why was that only in Abia State did the Army arrest them as Boko Haram members?
The FUPA President called on Government and the security agencies not to hide behind the current state of insecurity to infringe on the fundamental human rights of Nigerians to move freely in Nigeria without being arrested or harassed.
Dr. Ayuba Kura also warned the Federal Government and security agencies against targeting and labeling innocent northerners as Boko Haram since the soldiers arrested the 486 innocent traders in Abia on their way to their business destination in River State.
“Due process should be followed in the screening so that those who are innocent are released immediately and continue with the detention of those found wanting”
The President challenged the northern leaders to come out and tell the world their position on this harassment of northerners living in the south east.