*Urges governors of zone to intervene
By; KELVIN OKPARA, Enugu
Members of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), operating in South East Nigeria, have expressed worries over the alleged incessant attacks and killing of their members in parts of the geo political zone, urging the state governors to as a matter of urgency, intervene.
They explained that the group is a legitimate pastoralist organization engaged in the lawful tending of cattle across Nigeria.
“We are deeply concerned about the violence perpetrated against our members and their livestock, as well as the unfounded blanket accusations leveled against us in certain areas of the South East.
“In the past two months, we have mourned the loss of 16 individuals and hundreds of cattle in Anambra and Enugu states. It is distressing to note that some of the perpetrator were observed wearing uniforms resembling those of forest guards.
“We urge authorities to investigate these incidents thoroughly and bring the culprits to justice.
“Regrettably, we have consistently found ourselves targeted by criminal elements and at the same time unfairly blamed for criminal acts we have no involvement in. Our markets have been indiscriminately destroyed under the guise of rooting out criminality, yet no evidence of wrongdoing has been found.
“We urge authorities to investigate these incidents thoroughly and bring the culprits to justice” he stated.
“Regrettably, we have consistently found ourselves targeted by criminal elements and at the same time unfairly blamed for criminal acts we have no involvement
Addressing newsmen in Enugu weekend alongside some members of the organization,, MACBAN National Deputy Director General and Sarkin Fulani of Awka, Anambra State, Gidado Sidikki said the body is a legitimate association.
He said, “even in the remote areas where we graze our cattle, we face increasing threats from criminals without due response from the government or local leadership.
“We appeal to the government of the South East and the leaders of our host communities to recognize us as strategic stakeholders and refrain from unfounded attribution of wrongdoing to every herdsman out there.
Sidikki, said, “We implore them to support us in times of need and instruct their security forces to discern between genuine pastoralists and criminal elements masquerading as such.
“It is our steadfast commitment to uphold the peace and coexistence we have long enjoyed with our host communities. We unequivocally condemn any form of criminality and pledge our full cooperation with law enforcement agencies to ensure that perpetrators (whosoever they may be) are brought to justice.
According to him, “We maintain that crime is roundly anti society and detrimental to the pursuit of the common interests of decent people. It should therefore be checked in the interest of societal growth.
Sidikki maintained that “We remain dedicated to conducting our lawful cattle breeding activities wherever we are permitted to operate in the South East. Since we are by no means protected from the harm of any shade of criminals in society, we are duty bound to point any criminal known to us to the appropriate government authority for apprehension.
“We express appreciation to the leadership of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria, from the Board of Trustees to the National Executive Council, for their unwavering guidance towards fostering peace and understanding.”
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