The Northern Traditional Rulers Council for the South-South and South-East regions has pledged to work with security agencies and state governments to address security challenges and promote peaceful coexistence across the two regions.
The Chairman of the Council, Alhaji Yaro Danladi, made this known on Sunday while briefing journalists on the outcome of a two-day emergency meeting held in Umuahia.
Danladi, who also leads the Hausa community in Abia State, said the council resolved to strengthen collaboration with state governors, host communities and security agencies to enhance peace and stability.
According to him, northern communities agreed to live harmoniously with their host communities and support government efforts to maintain law and order.
He explained that the meeting was convened in response to recent security concerns and added that the council would support security agencies through timely intelligence sharing.
In Abia State, Danladi disclosed that representatives would be appointed across the 17 local government areas to ensure swift transmission of security-related information to relevant authorities.
He said any incident would be promptly reported to him, after which he would immediately notify the police, the Department of State Services or the state security adviser.
Danladi stressed that the council would not shield criminal elements within northern communities, noting that anyone involved in crime would be handed over to law enforcement agencies for prosecution.
He urged youths in northern communities to obey the laws of their host states and maintain peaceful relations with their neighbours.
He also appealed to state governments to work closely with northern leaders in identifying and integrating residents, noting that many northerners had lived in the regions for decades.
According to him, long-standing relationships, including intermarriages dating back to the 1940s, have fostered unity and mutual understanding, which the council hopes to preserve.
Also speaking, the leader of the Hausa community in Enugu State, Alhaji Abubakar Sambo, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to peace, security and cooperation in the two regions.
Sambo, who also serves as the National Vice Chairman of the Inter-Tribal Traditional Leaders Association of Nigeria, said the meeting focused on improving relations with host communities and supporting state governments in security matters.
He said the council agreed to strengthen intelligence gathering, particularly within northern settlements, and to establish coordinated community structures across states, local governments and neighbourhoods.
According to him, representatives would be appointed in all locations where northerners reside, including among artisans, scrap dealers and other occupational groups, to improve coordination, welfare delivery and security reporting.
Sambo further reaffirmed the traditional role of the “Sarkin Hausawa” as the recognised leader and first point of contact for northern communities in each state.
He said issues affecting northern residents should be channelled through the palace of the Sarkin Hausawa, describing the structure as a long-standing tradition that has sustained peaceful coexistence for generations.
In his remarks, the Head of the Hausa Muslim Umma in Cross River State, Alhaji Garba Lawan, said northern communities had continued to enjoy cordial relations with host communities and state governments.
Lawan noted that such cooperation had translated into security protection and other forms of government support, reflecting sustained peaceful coexistence.
Responding to concerns about scavenging activities, he said the trade was not exclusive to northerners, noting that some indigenes were also involved.
He added that the Hausa Muslim Umma regularly sensitised its members on lawful conduct through awareness campaigns, especially during daily prayers.
Lawan recalled that scavenging had been banned in Cross River State for over a year due to security concerns but said the ban was recently lifted following consultations with key stakeholders.
He emphasised that those engaged in the trade were expected to strictly comply with regulations and avoid illegal activities.