Miyetti Allah Raises Concern Over Disappearance of 11 Herders, 33 Cattle in Anambra

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and the Association of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State (ANIAS) have raised concerns over the disappearance of 11 MACBAN members and 33 cattle in Anambra State. The two organizations have distanced themselves from two suspected kidnappers recently apprehended in Mgbakwu, Awka North Local Government Area, emphasizing that they are not affiliated with their groups. MACBAN and ANIAS are calling for a comprehensive probe into the alleged kidnappings, stressing that their members are law-abiding non-indigenes who have established legitimate livelihoods in the state.

In a statement, Gidado Siddiki, MACBAN’s Deputy Director General, emphasized that criminals should be held accountable regardless of their ethnic background. He noted that the arrested individuals are unknown to MACBAN and are likely infiltrators. Siddiki urged security agencies to conduct thorough investigations into kidnapping incidents and ensure that perpetrators face justice.

Additionally, Siddiki reported that 20 cattle belonging to Haruna Mohammed were slaughtered, and 13 cows owned by Ibrahim Mohammed went missing along with the owner in the same area. He stated that due to the deteriorating security situation earlier this year, all legitimate MACBAN members have vacated the region.

In a separate statement, Prince Chigozie Nweke, President of ANIAS, confirmed that his organization maintains a database of all non-indigenes in Anambra State, including MACBAN members.