The leadership of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has alleged missing of its eleven members in Anambra State.

Deputy Director General of MACBAN, Allahaji Gidado Siddiki, disclosed this in a statement signed and made available to Journalists in Awka on Sunday while reacting to viral video trending online featuring two individuals of Fulani descent allegedly confessing to kidnapping incident in some part of the state.

According to the trending video online, members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) have apprehended some Fulani herdsmen kidnappers who specialize in kidnapping people inside bushes and lonely places in Anambra state.

The arrested herdsmen kidnappers, numbering two, were apprehended over the week at Amanuke in Awka North Local Government Area of the State after they ambushed and kidnapped some land buyers who went to check a land at Mgbakwu, also in Awka North Local Government Area of the State.

But, Siddiki while countering the report via the statement tagged; “Condemnation of Stereotyping in Respect of Recent Viral Video on Kidnapping by Fulanis, and Call for Investigation”, called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible face the full consequences of their actions.

The statement read in part: “We are aware of a viral video trending online featuring two individuals of Fulani descent allegedly confessing to kidnapping.

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) unequivocally asserts that criminals, regardless of their ethnic or tribal affiliation, should be held accountable by the laws of the land. It is crucial to recognize 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. Additionally, 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 recognizes them. They are likely the infiltrators we have been concerned about.

“We call upon the 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,” Siddiki fume.

The State Police Public Relations Officer SP Ikenga Tochukwu, when contacted, said, “There is no such report before us.” (Tribune)

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