Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria has clearly stated that the group only has economic interest and not terrorism.
The Chairman of MACBAN South-East zone, Alhaji Gidado Siddiki, on Monday, September 14, said this while briefing journalists shortly after a meeting of the joint executive council of the group in Enugu.
Siddiki said the clarification became necessary following growing suspicion and speculation in some quarters about the activities of herders in the zone.
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Siddiki stated, “This suspicion is rooted in the speculation that herdsmen are harbingers of Fulani territorial expansionism.
“However, the leadership of MACBAN, under my watch in the South-East, has continued to discuss appreciably well with the individual state governments in the zone.
“I am happy that the dialogue gives us hope for better understanding between our members and their host communities.”
He said the group would not hesitate to report any of its members found to be involved in criminal activities.
He called on the governments of the South-East states to ensure the protection of the body’s members and cattle, adding that herders in the area would be made to take precautionary measures while plying their trade.
The MACBAN leader stated, “We, hereby, jointly resolve to fully lend our efforts toward fostering an enduring and harmonious relationship with our host communities.
“We urge members of our host communities to be more accommodating too.”
Daily Times gathered that the clarification could be because of warnings from different Igbo groups against the Miyetti security outfit’s operation in the South-East.
The Igbo National Council (INC) had said that the new vigilante group recently launched by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) is not welcomed in the South- East.
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