Group warns against herdsmen invasion of South-East

A group, Ochie Igbo Sunday warned that it would not tolerate herdsmen invasion in the south- east region of the country.

It said the warning became imperative in view of some issues between the herdsmen and some host communities in the region and the recent Benue killings by suspected herdsmen.

The group gave the warning in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state capital during a meeting with leaders of herdsmen in the state and the Sarki of Hausa community in the state.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman Board of Trustees of Ochie Igbo, Okoro Benedict called on the herdsmen leaders to fish out the migrant herdsmen said to be causing troubles in their midst.

He noted that the union will not be happy if any community in the south- east is invaded by the herdsmen.

Okoro said “We don’t want herdsmen invasion in south east, we won’t tolerate any attack by herdsmen on our people. We are saying this because there is always an informant in your midst communicating with the so called Migrant herdsmen.

“This is the problem we have. If you want your business to grow, fish-out those in your midst who are habouring the migrants don’t pretend you don’t know them. You know them; there are people in your midst who communicate with the migrants who are passing.

“Nobody wonders in the bush aimlessly, there are wonderers for a purpose. Why hasn’t herdsmen invaded Ekiti? It is because the herdsmen and the host communities agreed truly in honesty to live in peace and that is what we are saying. There are people with you who are working with these migrants.

“We are going to talk to all the Governors in the south east to give you enabling environment that will make your business flourish and since we have allowed you to do your business, let our people thrive.

Let our people live in peace. Respect our culture and respect the way “we live. Our people cherish crops and you cherish your cattle, please do not make our people to feel bad for hosting you”.

In his remarks, leader of Hausa community in the state, Danjuma Gambo identified migrant herdsmen as cause of problem for Fulani herdsmen in host communities.

He noted that the migrant herdsmen are always armed to teeth and can strike at any slightest provocation.

Gambo also said the migrant herdsmen move about from long distances and will soon start coming down the east to feed their cows as grasses which the cattle feed on have all died off in the North.

He called for vigilant in the south- east to prevent any invasion.