The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has expressed concern over the recent violence against its members and their livestock in the South-East region.
The organization, which represents legitimate pastoralists has faced unfounded accusations and misconceptions. MACBAN’s National Deputy Director-General, Gidado Siddiki, addressed the press in Enugu, stating that the group has suffered the loss of 16 members and hundreds of cattle in Anambra and Enugu States over the past two months.
Siddiki urged authorities to investigate these incidents thoroughly and bring those responsible to justice, noting that some perpetrators were seen wearing uniforms resembling those of forest guards.
“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.
“Our markets have been indiscriminately destroyed under the guise of rooting out criminality, yet no evidence of wrongdoing has been found. Even in the remote areas where we graze our cattle, we face increasing threats from criminals without due response from the government or local leadership.
“We appeal to the government of the South East and the leaders of our host communities to recognise us as strategic stakeholders and refrain from unfounded attribution of wrongdoing to every herdsman out there.
“We implore them to support us in times of need and instruct their security forces to discern between genuine pastoralists and criminal elements masquerading as such.”
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