Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The leadership of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and the Association of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State (ANIAS), have denied involvement of their members in insecurity in Anambra State.
The two groups said that two suspected kidnappers arrested in Mgbakwu, Awka North Local Government Area, are not their members. They explained that Miyetti Allah members are non-indigenes with lawful and visible means of livelihood.
They said the suspects are criminal elements contributing to insecurity in the area, calling for a full investigation into the alleged kidnappings in the town.
The Miyetti Allah went further to complain that eleven of its members are missing and that their 33 cattle have been lost to insecurity in Anambra State.
In a statement signed by Gidado Siddiki, Deputy Director General of MACBAN, the association asserts that criminals, regardless of their ethnic or tribal affiliation, should be held accountable by the laws of the land.
“It is crucial to recognise that criminals do not discriminate between victims based on their background; they are driven solely by the potential for ransom.
“It is important to note that 11 MACBAN members have been reported missing in the same community where the viral video was recorded.”
“Our members have suffered significant losses, including the killing of approximately 20 cattle owned by Haruna Mohammed and the disappearance of 13 cows belonging to Ibrahim Mohammed, along with the owner himself, in the same area.”
“Our members have been legitimately and genuinely engaged in cattle breeding in this community for years. However, due to the deteriorating security situation at the beginning of this year, all our legitimate members have since left the area.”
“The individuals arrested in this region are not affiliated with us; no one within our community recognises them. They are likely the infiltrators we have been concerned about,” he added.
Siddiki called on relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into these incidents and ensure that those responsible face the full consequences of their actions.
“We urge that any Fulani or individual connected to these crimes be prosecuted to uncover any potential accomplices and prevent further criminal activities.”
“MACBAN remains dedicated to assisting in the security of Anambra and the entire South-East region. We also appeal to local communities to embrace us as fellow Nigerians who seek a prosperous livelihood and contribute positively to the country.”
“Having lived in Awka since 1986 and raised my family here, I strongly oppose any harm coming to our people in the South-East,” he noted.
Also speaking shortly after a meeting with the Miyetti Allah group, the President of the Association of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State (ANIAS), Prince Chigozie Nweke, stated that they have a data-capturing base of all non-indigenes in Anambra State.
He noted that the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association members are included in this data, and their leader is a member of the Elders Council of the Non-Indigenes in Anambra State.
“While we are against the activities of criminal elements in Anambra State and are partnering in the fight against insecurity, we are calling for a full investigation into the activities of these individuals who claim to be members of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders.
“According to our records, those shown in that viral video are not known to the Association of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State and are not recognised by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria,” he said.
