Local Vigilantes are Killing our Members in the Southeast,” Alleges Miyetti Allah

In a press conference held in Enugu on Thursday, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) accused indigenous security groups in the South-East of orchestrating attacks against its members in the region.

MACBAN’s National Deputy Director-General, Gidado Siddiki, expressed deep concern over the loss of 16 lives and hundreds of cattle in Anambra and Enugu States over the past two months. Siddiki alleged that some attackers were seen wearing uniforms resembling those of forest guards, calling for a thorough investigation into the incidents.

Siddiki emphasized the unfair blame placed on their community for crimes they claim no involvement in, highlighting the destruction of their markets and increasing threats faced by pastoralists in remote areas. He appealed to South-East governments and local leaders to recognize them as stakeholders and to support them, urging security forces to differentiate between genuine pastoralists and criminals.

MACBAN asserted its legitimacy as a pastoralist organization but lamented being misconceived as criminals. The group expressed deep concern over violence against its members and unwarranted accusations in certain areas of the South-East.