By Uzoma Nzeagwu, Awka
The leader of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MCBAN), in the Southeast, Alhaji Gidado Siddiki, has reported that one person has been declared missing while fifteen cows were killed following the attack on Haruna Sale cattle ranch settlement in Awba-Ofemili, Awka North Council Area of Anambra State, by suspected gunmen.
Siddiki, who disclosed this yesterday, while fielding questions from newsmen in Awka, said hoodlums also kidnapped one Mr. Usman Haruna in the process, creating fear and confusion in the settlement.
He explained that the gunmen stormed the cattle ranch hub on Sunday night, and shot sporadically into the air to scare residents away before carrying out their nefarious act.
Siddiki said he got the hint from the owner of the hub, Haruna Sale on Monday afternoon that some suspected gunmen invaded his cattle ranch, killed his fifteen cows and kidnapped one of his subjects, Usman Haruna, in the process.
He said, as at now, his people in the area are afraid to go out from their hideout and report to any nearby security outfit.
He further recalled that a similar attack also took place on Monday, at about 6 a.m., in Umuochu village-Ndikeli-Onwu, Orumba North Council Area of the State, adding that no person or cow was missing in that attack.
He called on the Commissioner of Police, Echeng Echeng, to urgently deploy security operatives in the affected areas to prevent further attacks on his people and their businesses.
“We call on the State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo to strengthen the farmers/herders committee template setup by the immediate past governor, Willie Obiano, to resolve differences between Fulani herders and their host communities in the state. Chief Obiano used the committee to resolve cases that would have resulted into big conflicts during his administration.
We as a body doing business in Anambra and other parts of the Southeast, pledge our unalloyed support and to partner with the governor and traditional rulers to ensure peaceful coexistence between our members and residents of the state”, he noted.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, when contacted, said he has not received such report.
He said: “There is no such report before me please. I will make enquiry and get back to you”.
Source: The Guardian
