The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has alleged that at least six of its members were killed and more than 100 cows rustled in different parts of Enugu State within the past two months.
National Deputy Director-General of MACBAN, Alhaji Gidado Siddiki, who addressed journalists in Enugu on Saturday alongside bereaved families and South-East executives of the association, described the killings as “a dangerous trend” capable of escalating tension in the state.
According to Siddiki, the killings were recorded in Akpugo, Nkanu West, Uzo-Uwani, Udi, Ezeagu and Oji River local government areas, despite ongoing peace accords with the state government.
He said:“In the last two months, six of our members have been killed and more than 100 cattle lost. Most recently at Obinofia Akpugo, two of our members — Umaru Atiku and Isa Jibrin — were brutally murdered. These attacks have left our people living in fear and anguish.”
The MACBAN leader alleged that some of the assailants wore uniforms similar to those of forest guards, a development he said required thorough investigation.
He warned that if the attacks persisted, peace efforts in the state would collapse, stressing that herders should not be treated as scapegoats for crimes committed by criminals disguising as pastoralists.
“Security agencies must distinguish between genuine pastoralists and criminal elements. It is unacceptable that while our people are being killed, we are still unfairly accused of crimes we know nothing about,” Siddiki added.
He called on the Enugu State Government to intervene urgently, ensure justice for the victims, and compensate families who lost loved ones and cattle.
“Compensation will not only bring relief but also show government’s sincerity in addressing these injustices. The families of the late Umaru Atiku, Isa Jibrin and others must not be abandoned,” he said.
Siddiki reaffirmed MACBAN’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, condemning all forms of criminality while pledging to cooperate with security agencies to fish out perpetrators of attacks in the state.
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