OPEN LETTER TO SOUTHERN NIGERIANS: STOP ETHNIC HATE ON HAUSAS AND THE MISUSE OF THE WORD “ABOKI”
14 February 2026
Dear Southern Brothers and Sisters,
With deep concern over recent events in Igwurita and Port Harcourt, we are compelled to address a dangerous and growing narrative the chant of “Aboki Must Go.”
Let us begin with the truth.
“Aboki” is a Hausa word. It means “friend.”
It is not Fulani. It is not a criminal identity. It is not terrorism.
Even if some use the word as an insult, its meaning will never change for us. It means friendship.
So when you shout “Aboki Must Go,” who exactly are you targeting?
If Fuulani bandis or herdsmen committed a crime, on what basis does that crime transfer to Hausa traders, Hausa hunters, Hausa mechanics, Hausa laborers, or Hausa businessmen living peacefully among you?
In our own communities in the North, there are tens of thousands of Hausas living peacefully alongside Igbo traders who operate shops freely and safely. They are not chased. They are not hunted. They do business in peace.
Why then should innocent Hausas be hunted in the South for crimes they did not commit?
UROMI: A TRAGEDY WE MUST NEVER FORGET
Let Nigeria remember what happened in Uromi.
In that town, innocent Hausa hunters were lynched for a crime they did not commit. They were falsely accused. They were denied investigation. They were denied trial. They were burned alive by a mob.
Their profession traditional hunting has existed in Hausa culture for centuries. Carrying hunting rifles and dogs is not evidence of kidnapping. Yet jungle justice replaced the rule of law.
Uromi must remain a reminder:
- That collective punishment is injustice.
- That mob action destroys innocent lives.
- That ethnic profiling leads to tragedy.
We must never allow Uromi to repeat itself anywhere in Nigeria.
ON IGWURITA AND CURRENT PROTESTS
If a crime occurred in Igwurita, let the individual responsible face the full weight of the law.
But chasing every “Aboki,” burning markets, targeting Hausa residents, and spreading ethnic hate slogans is not justice.
It is dangerous tribalism.
Nigeria belongs to all of us. No tribe owns this country more than another. If we begin to expel each other based on ethnicity, then no Nigerian is safe anywhere.
HAUSA ARE NOT FULANI
Let this be clearly understood:
Hausa are not Fulani.
Hausa are not herdsmen.
Hausa are not terrorists.
In fact, many Hausa communities suffer greatly from foolani banditry and violence in Northern Nigeria. Hausa villages have been attacked and destroyed by armed groups.
Why should Hausa people suffer twice at home and in other regions?
OUR DEMANDS
- Immediate protection for innocent Hausa residents in Southern states.
- Arrest and prosecution of individuals involved in mob killings.
- An end to ethnic profiling and hate slogans like “Aboki Must Go.”
- Responsible leadership and media reporting that separates criminals from entire ethnic groups.
A FINAL WORD
To our Southern brothers and sisters:
We are not your enemies.
We are workers. Traders. Hunters. Students. Artisans.
If any individual commits a crime, let that individual answer before the law.
But do not punish an entire people for crimes they did not commit.
Uromi must never happen again.
Igbo traders live peacefully in the North. Hausa residents deserve the same peace in the South.
Injustice to aboki tribe today becomes injustice to all tomorrow.
May peace prevail over hatred.
May law prevail over mob action.
May justice prevail over tribal anger.
Sincerely,
HausaActivist
RememberUromi
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