Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria( MACBAN) has denied the allegations that it’s members perpetuated most criminal activities in the south East, saying that they were duty bound to point any criminal known to them to the appropriate government authority for apprehension.
The group also lamented open grazing law passed in some states in the region, saying, the law affects their businesses and it is difficult for them to adhere to.
Pix: Gidado Siddiki
National Deputy Director Genera MACBAN, Gidado disclosed that on Thursday, in Enugu, while briefing newsmen on the recent events in the South East Geo-political region.
He said the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’
Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) is a legitimate pastoralist organization engaged in the lawful tending of cattle across Nigeria.
Pix: MACBAN member
Pix:: MACBAN member
“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”, he said.
Siddiki disclosed that they lost 16 individuals and hundreds of cattle in some states in the region and some of the perpetrator were observed wearing uniforms resembling those of forest guards. The group urged authorities to investigate these incidents thoroughly and bring the culprits to justice.
“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,”
Pix: Sam Udekwe,NUJ Chairman
“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).
“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.
“We remain dedicated to conducting our lawful cattle breeding activities wherever we are permitted to operate in the Southeast.
Pix: Siddiki
“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.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama
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such,” MACBAN said .
They expressed appreciation to the leadership of MACBAN for their unwavering guidance towards fostering peace and understanding.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama