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CAN chairman charges Buhari on herdsmen terrorism, says it’s Boko Haram style

By John Akubo (Lokoja) and Uzoma Nzeagwu (Awka)
10 January 2017   |   3:37 am
The Christian Association of Nigeria chairman Kogi State chapter, Bishop John Ibenu, has challenged President Muhammadu Buhari to see the menace of herdsmen and their cattle as a serious national security challenge.

herdsmen

Controversy in Anambra community over alleged killing

The Christian Association of Nigeria chairman Kogi State chapter, Bishop John Ibenu, has challenged President Muhammadu Buhari to see the menace of herdsmen and their cattle as a serious national security challenge.

Speaking against the backdrop that Kaduna State Governor Nasiru El-Rufai was quoted to have attributed the recent killing in Southern Kaduna to Niger Delta insurgents when it was well known that it was perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen, he expressed disappointment with the governor’s position.

Ibenu, who spoke in a New Year message to the people of Kogi State said:“I was amazing to read in the papers that the governor of Kaduna State will attribute the issue to Niger Delta militants when the people see the Fulani people doing it and he is giving credence to the theory of conspiracy.

“It is unfortunate that a sitting governor would blame Niger Delta for what everybody knows is the Fulani as carried by an editorial in one of the national dailies. We have friends, pastors over there whom we have been communicating with.

He indicated that the governor forgot that the same Fulani herdsmen addressed a press conference in Kaduna where they said they would want their Southern Kaduna counterparts to sit down and forgive each other and stop the killing so that they can live in peace as they have lived before.

“The people he is exonerating are saying that it is actually true and he as a sitting governor is saying it is not true. We have people over there, we have friends, pastors but to come out to blatantly say it is Niger Delta when it is well known that it is Fulani herdsmen.

“I want to commend the President for directing the army to take a divisive action on the issue of killing in southern Kaduna even though it is coming a little too late but please they should assure everybody that every soul in Nigeria is important.”

He lauded the Sultan of Sokoto also, who has referred to what is going on there as evil, adding that it is unlike the teaching of Islam to kill other people. He asked such leaders to lend their voice to the issue.

He said they need to meet with these people and tell them to their face that it is evil beyond issuing press statements.He drew the attention of government to reports that the Fulani people were also reported to be killing people in Oju in Benue State.

The chairman asked the Presidency to call a conference of Myetti Allah nationwide to tell them these things.According to him, as pastors, they are shepherd that relate on both sides, with the public and with the leaders because God says no power can be except God has ordained and permitted it.

He called on all Nigerians to say fervent prayers for all those in authority as there are a lot of issues that need to be attended to.Ibenu commended the effort of the soldiers in combating the Boko Haram especially in the Sambisa Forest. However, he pointed out that there is hunger in the land even as he asked the Federal Government to urgently look in to the issues of the economy and the challenges that has made some companies lay off their staff.

“They have to address the power sector and the Naira/Dollar vis-a-vis the availability of forex to keep companies afloat in business.” Meanwhile, there was tension in Umuoba-Anam in Anambra East Local Council of Anambra State, following the alleged killing of two cattle breeders by unknown persons in the area at the weekend.

Speaking with newsmen in Awka yesterday, Alhaji Bello Nuhu, father of one of the victims, Musa Bello Nuhu (26), expressed fear that his son might have been killed by the youths since his shoes and caps were recovered, adding that he has been having sleepless nights since the incident happened.

Alhaji Bello Nuhu (60) also said that he had the feeling that his son had been killed since there was bloodstain at the scene of the incident.He said: “I was in my house when I got a call and I rushed to the place and since then, I’m devastated and worried because that my son was in charge of my cattle. His other siblings cannot take care of the cattle.”

Also, Haruna Hassan, who is 40 years old and elder brother to Adamu Haruna (32), who was alleged to have been killed by the youths, said it was only two of them who were remaining and taking care of their deceased father’s cattle, recalling that his father was equally killed some years back during the Uzo-Uwani saga in Enugu State.

The South East leader of Cattle Breeders’ Association, otherwise known as (Miyetti-Allah), Alhaji Sadiq Gidado, said the incident took place at the weekend while they were grazing.

He said the herdsmen were at Eziagulu-Otu community grazing, but later moved to Otuocha Market, all in Anambra East Local Council to buy something, when they were abducted by some youths.

According to Gidado, since that incident, the two persons had not been seen, while their belongings, including caps and shoes had been recovered, except the motorcycle.

“If they were killed, all we want to see is their bodies, and we will be satisfied. I don’t know why some people want to cause trouble after the peace accord with the state government and security operatives in Anambra.”

The state Commissioner of Police, Samuel Okaula, who could not confirm the killings, told reporters in Awka that the command was not taking it lightly, warning that anybody involved in any unwholesome act would face the full weight of law.

He said the police command was still investigating what transpired in the community, adding that what they had was a case of missing persons.The police boss said the state police command has deployed over 500 of its men to maintain peace and order in the community, while six persons have been arrested over the incident.

Okaula said: “Policemen have stormed all nooks and crannies of Umuoba-Anam community, the bushes and black spots to make sure that hoodlums would not take over the area.”However, he called on members of the community to go about their normal businesses without fear, insisting that security operatives were in control of the situation.

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