Member representing Bende Federal Constituency, Hon. Benjamin Kalu has met with the top hierarchy of Abia state Police Command as well as the Department of State Service, DSS over alleged invasion of the constituency by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
Sources told ABN TV that farmlands in the community were recently invaded by men suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, a development that has raised apprehension among the people.
Our correspondent gathered that there was mild disturbances between the locals and the herders, a situation that left one person injured and about 15 livestock, mostly sheep wounded.
In a chat with ABN TV on Monday, Hon. Kalu who is the Spokesperson of the House of Representatives said the aim of the visit was to forestall further disagreement between host communities and the herders and to create room for relevant stakeholders’ engagement.
READ ALSO: Sen. Orji Kalu To Convert Home To A Resort
Already a meeting has been scheduled to take place on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021, where modalities for peaceful and harmonious co-existence will be developed.
The federal lawmaker had also personally visited the injured herder identified as Abdullahi at the medical facility where he is currently receiving treatment.
He assured the family that he will continue to ensure that the lives and property of every Nigerian living or conducting business in Bende is protected, even as he promised to assist with the medical bills of the injured herder.
While expressing regret over the development, Hon. Kalu thanked the youths for observing restraint to ensure a peaceful atmosphere in the federal constituency, calling on them not to involve in any violence.
https://youtu.be/CgF48xDIzIg
ABN TV reports that Hon. Kalu had also engaged the leadership of Hausa/Fulani community in a bid to foster peaceful co-existence with the people of Bende.
Recall that Hon. Kalu was at the forefront in ensuring that Aba and all parts of Abia witnessed calm during the #EndSARS protest.
The Tuesday stakeholders meeting is expected to take place at Orji Kalu Hall, Bende LGA council headquarters at 12:00 noon.
The traditional rulers in the communities affected in Ozuitem and Bende, their President Generals, and youth leaders were invited including the Divisional Police officers, the two House of Assembly members from the local government, and the LG chairman.
Others are the House of Reps Member Bende federal constituency and the Senator representing Abia North.