Hausa Quarters now in Umuaka.
2 min read
Northern scavengers and businessmen who go about picking and buying irons and other metallic objects in Njaba LGA have created Hausa Quarters in Umuaka. Last week, Umuaka Times visited the area and found out that there is also a big business going on at the quarters, where they also live.
From the findings established by Umuaka Times, the Hausa Quarters is located between Obinwanne Umuaka Autonomous Community and Achara community. The Achara side of the quarters is backing the Orlu Owerri Express Road while the main entrance to the place is facing Obinwanne community. It was never as simple as the Umuaka Times reporter who visited the area had envisaged, in his efforts to speak to the Hausa residents. At first, they were seriously reluctant to give out information to strangers but some neighbours who witnessed the drama between Umuaka Times and the scavengers volunteered to speak to Umuaka Times.
According to one Akalite in his late 20s who lives in the neighbourhood, the Hausa businessmen and scavengers have been peacefully living in the area for at least, the last 3 years. “They do not look for trouble and they always go about their normal businesses. “In fact, any time there is a need for a street work, they always come out and join,” the fellow told Umuaka Times.
On a second visit to the area by Umuaka Times, it was gathered that some policemen came and arrested some of the scavengers on a tip-off over the purchase of stolen items. Umuaka Times went further to establish what really happened. From what was gathered at the police station, many boys and girls in Umuaka are in the habit of stealing some items and selling them to the Hausa people. Some concerned citizens who spoke with Umuaka Times blamed the Hausa businessmen for buying any item brought to them by some people especially youths without making concrete findings about the ownership of the item.
The police, Umuaka Times gathered, has made fanatic efforts to curb the menace with the hope that the Northern businessmen and scavengers will comply.
