Fulani herdsmen in Anambra State, organized by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), have expressed dissatisfaction with the state’s population.
According to MACBAN, its members are being denied accommodations in the state’s southeast, causing disruptions to their typical business.
According to Naija News, the leader of MACBAN in the South East, Alhaji Gidado Siddiki, revealed this to journalists over the weekend after attending Governor Charles Soludo’s one-year anniversary in office.
Siddiki named Anaku, Umueje, Omor, Igbakwu, Omasi, Umumbo, Umuerum, and Ifite-Ogwari in Ayamelum local government council of the areas of the state as places where MACBAN members have been denied shelter while addressing dignitaries at the ceremony held in Awka, the state capital.
He urged Governor Soludo’s administration to restore peace and unity quickly. Notwithstanding “few incidences of misunderstanding,” Siddiki stated his men enjoy a friendly relationship with the indigenous people.
“Our interest in the territories was solely commercial,” Siddiki explained. No herder wanted to fight over land ownership with members of their host communities across the state.
“We applauded the Police and DSS for their swift replies whenever there is a disagreement in the state between our members and host communities.”
But, the MACBAN had stated that much more needed to be done to ensure that law-abiding residents, including herders, could do their enterprises freely in the state.
He claims that cattle breeders; are seeking a safe environment in which to conduct their grazing operations.
“We will assist our host communities in any way they require in order to make life more meaningful for everyone.”
“We are prepared to assist our host communities in whatever capacity they require in order to make life meaningful for everyone and to maintain the currently harmonious coexistence in the areas,” Siddiki added.
