Following the rising influx of Almajiris into the South East Region from different Northern States at the heat of the coronavirus pandemic, the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) and the Youth Wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo have charged the five Governors of the region to unanimously protect their people.
Speaking to journalists, Chief Goodluck Egwu Ibem, President General of COSEYL said it is worrisome to see large number of strange faces heading towards the South East when there is a national inter-states lockdown.
He however said that the age brackets of the large number of young men tagged Almajiris that are headed towards the zone leaves much to be desired as Almajiris are meant to be children and not grown-up men.
“We call on the Governors of South East States namely Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States to protect and immediately stop the influx of the so called Almajiris into the South East zone before things get out of hand.
This influx is both a health risk and a security risk to our people because, these young men who disguise as Almajiris may not actually be what they’re called. If they’re Almajiris, then they’re huge health risk to our people considering what’s happening in Kano and other Northern States.
“If the information we’re getting that they’re not Almajiris are anything to hold on, then we could be in a messier security problem because they can cause serious trouble for us here in the South East very soon.
“The timing, their secret method of entering and their large numbers points to a very sinister mission. The zone will be under serious security threat if nothing urgent is done to stop the influx of these ‘Youthful Almajiris’ into Igboland.
“Igboland is our ancestry home. The Governors of South East took oath to protect their various states and now is the time to fulfill their oath of office. Our people are watching and looking up to them to take actions because they are in charge here.
“These so called Almajiris have defiled all Government directives both Federal and State. Their actions clearly depicts that they have no regard to the law of the land and that they have ulterior motives to be heading towards the South East at a time of serious international and national crisis.
“We must ask some questions and give ourselves answers now. If not for sinister motives, how can a large number of people start to move into the South East and other Southern areas on daily basis in droves when there is no war, no hunger, no famine or uprising in the North where they are coming from.
“I’m sure the Governors are hearing the voices of our people in different streets and villages. I’m sure they’ve seen how uncomfortable our people are with these new uninvited visitors who are sneaking into our land in a style that looks very dangerous.
“One thing we know and its definite in our heart is that for God to have allowed us to see these their movement and catch them right in the act means that whatever negative plans they must have cooked up are dead on arrival. Nobody who’s lawful and has good plan will sneak into another man’s land inside trailers.
“God has done his part and we must now reciprocate His kind gesture by becoming more vigilant. The covid-19 pandemic is not a joke and all hands must on desk to salvage our communities before it too late.
“We’ve called on all traditional rulers, stakeholders and youths of border communities in the South East to watch over all the non motorable borders and entry points to their town to ensure nobody enters or leaves their communities.
“The Governors of the zone to put in their best to ensure protection of lives and properties. Protection of their borders should be a top priority to stop anyone with Covid -19 into their states.
“The so called Almajiris heading towards the South East must be stop to avoid them infecting our people with coronavirus. Every LGA Chairman in South East especially those in borders should strengthen Community Vigilantes to ensure that the protect their territory and people
