The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has raised concerns about the disappearance of eleven of its members in Anambra State.
This development was revealed by the Deputy Director General of MACBAN, Alhaji Gidado Siddiki, in a statement released in Awka on Sunday.
The statement was a response to a viral video circulating online, which showed two individuals of Fulani descent allegedly admitting to involvement in kidnapping activities within the state.
The video, which has garnered attention, purportedly shows members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) capturing two Fulani herdsmen accused of kidnapping individuals in isolated areas of Anambra State.
The two suspects were reportedly apprehended in Amanuke, Awka North Local Government Area, after they allegedly ambushed and kidnapped prospective land buyers in Mgbakwu, also in Awka North.
In reaction to the video, Siddiki strongly condemned the stereotyping of Fulanis and called for an impartial investigation into the allegations.
He emphasized that criminal activities should not be attributed to any specific ethnic group and that those responsible, regardless of their background, should be held accountable under the law.
Siddiki also pointed out that in the same community where the video was recorded, 11 MACBAN members had gone missing. He further noted that their community had suffered losses, including the killing of 20 cattle belonging to Haruna Mohammed and the disappearance of 13 cows, along with their owner, Ibrahim Mohammed.
According to Siddiki, the legitimate members of MACBAN have been operating in the community for years but had to leave due to the deteriorating security situation earlier this year.
He asserted that the individuals in the video are not recognized by their community and are likely outsiders who have infiltrated the area.
MACBAN has urged security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice.
They also appealed to local communities in Anambra to see them as fellow Nigerians working towards a better livelihood and contributing positively to the region.
However, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, stated that no official report regarding the incident has been filed with the police.
