Vincent Ujumadu
2 December 2008
Awka — FOR fear of a possible reprisal attack as a result of the latest crisis in Jos, Plateau State, many Onitsha residents of Northern extraction have taken refuge at the Army and Police barracks in the town.
Though business began as usual in the morning yesterday, stories later began to make the rounds that there was going to be a reprisal attack which made the northerners to quickly close shops to head to the barracks. However, there was no such attack anywhere in the state at the time of going to press.
By mid day, most of the strong holds of Northerners in Onitsha such as Sokoto Road, Head Bridge, Haruna Street and other parts of Anambra State were deserted.
At the barracks, they were in large numbers and were seen making purchases from the mammy markets. Some of them who spoke said they were only taking precautionary measures, adding that there was really no attack on them.
Anambra State government has however assured every resident including the Northerners that their lives and properties were safe, urging all and sundry to go about their businesses without fear of any intimidation and molestation.
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