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FULANI herdsmen’s body the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (Macban) has pledged to cooperate with the security forces in Nasarawa State to expose criminals masquerading as livestock producers.
Like many states across Nigeria, Nasarawa has been plagued by the constant menace of herdsmen attacking farming villages, leaving dozens dead when they strike. Heavily-armed with AK47 assault rifles, these herdsmen claim they are striking back in response to their livestock being killed.
Of late, all sorts of criminals and bandits have latched on to the herdsmen bandwagon to commit all sorts of crimes including armed robbery, kidnapping and murder. Macban has sought to distance itself from these activities and Mohammed Hussaini, the chairman of the Nasarawa State chapter of the body recently pledged to work with the security forces as part of collective efforts to ensure the state is rid of criminals.
Mr Hussaini said: “The kidnappers that killed a man in Lafia recently, after collecting ransom from his family, were arrested by the Fulani vigilantes while trying to dispose the corpse in a bush. Two arrested kidnappers have been handed them over to the police.
“Let me tell you, so many bad eggs among our people, the Fulanis, were exposed and apprehended. However, our efforts have yielded a lot of results, leading to the arrest of criminals across the state.”
He added that Macban had set up committees to expose criminal elements among the Fulanis, pointing out that the association would pursue the assignment to the logical conclusion. Mr Hussaini explained that the association was determined to redeem the image of its members and strengthen relationships with other groups for the overall development of the state, in particular and the country in general.
Mr Hussaini further called on members of his association to continue to be law abiding and report any act of provocation to the appropriate authorities for prompt action.
