“Embrace Us As Fellow Nigerians Seeking Prosperous Livelihood And Country” – Miyetti Allah Appeals To South Easterners

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Leadership of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State on Monday, August 12, 2024, strongly  distanced the body from the alleged kidnappings  and other criminal activities by two Fulani  herdsmen in the Mgbakwu area of Awka, North Local Council of Anambra State.

In a video currently in circulation in the social media ,two suspected Fulani herders believed to be part  of a spate of abductions and other criminal activities within  Mgbakwu Area of the State were paraded

But  a statement issued by the Deputy Director, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders of Nigeria, MACBAN, Gidado Siddiki said that the group has equally been at the  receiving end of the criminal activities of people masquerading as Fulani herdsmen.

MACBAN, a vital component of  Anambra state non-indigenes Association, claimed that in recent times, it has lost eleven people and about 33 cattle to the criminal elements in the state.

According to the Association, the criminal activities of undesirable elements, are the reasons the Mgbakwu and other areas are unsafe.

They stated that it was also owing to the high insecurity that genuine members of the Association decided to seize business activities in the area.

MACBAN and the leadership of the non-indigenous communities while insisting that their members are law abiding residents, committed to lawful business activities, also called for an unfettered probe into the alleged kidnappings in the area.

They said the investigation has become urgent and necessary in the face of the bad image being given to the Fulani and other law abiding non-indigenes in Anambra State by a few misguided elements, pretending to be herders.

The umbrella body of the Anambra non-indigenous residents expressed its support for lawful actions against criminals and their activities, irrespective of ethnic, religious and other  backgrounds.

“It is crucial to recognize that criminals do not discriminate  between victims based on their backgrounds. 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 ( Mgbakwu) where the viral video was recorded .

“Our members have suffered significant losses ,including the killing of approximately 20 cattle owned by one Haruna Mohammed and the disappearance of 13 cows belonging to one Ibrahim Mohammad  along with the owner himself ( Ibrahim Mohammad) in the same area .

“Our members have been legitimately and genuinely engaged in cattle breeding in the community for years .

“However, due to the deteriorating security situation at the beginning of this year, all our legitimate members  left the area.” MACBAN noted .

The Association, further stated that the suspected criminal elements arrested and shown in the video are neither its members nor known to it.

It, therefore, urged Security Agencies and other relevant authorities to conduct a thorough inquest into the criminal activities in the affected area with a view to fishing out and prosecuting those found  culpable.

“We urge that any Fulani or individuals 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 ” Siddiki  stated.