We Will Expose All Fake Herdsmen Causing Trouble – Miyetti Allah Vows

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has vowed to expose criminal elements using the name of the association to perpetrate crime in the country.

Miyetti Allah in a statement on Tuesday in Enugu State by its South East Chairman, Alhaji Gidado Siddiki reiterated that the group is against all forms of violence and would continue to encourage its members to leave in peace with their host communities.

He however promised that those hiding under the guise of the group to carry out criminal acts will be identified and exposed as part of regular efforts to restore the trust and peaceful relationship with members of their host communities, particularly in the South East where he is.

“We are encouraged by the commitment of the government and a good number of the people of the South East in fostering harmonious relationship with the herders.

“We shall continue to canvass for best practices in cattle rearing among our people to stem frictions with the natives,” he said.

Siddiki also disclosed that they have warned their members against allowing underage children to tend cattle in public places except such is done under the supervision of an adult herder.

He said the group is out to expose and stamp out all forms of illicit behaviours and criminal elements within its system.

“This will go a long way in distancing MACBAN from the blanket condemnation it frequently suffers most times criminals attack innocent citizens.

“Our children should be encouraged to go to school and not allowed to tend cattle in public spaces but if they must be out rearing, they must be duly guided by adults in their company.”

He said as part of efforts to control the invasion of farms by animals, they have outlawed night grazing but appealed to the government to allow them move their animals at night.

“We, however, plead with the state government in the zone to allow movement of cattle on the highways at night.

“While we consider other more viable alternatives for moving our herds of cattle.

“This is without prejudice to the inalienable rights and safety of other road users in those hours. We shall continue to give our people proper orientation to improved cattle control on such night transit.”

“We shall continue to warmly publicise the hospitality we enjoy here in spite of our cultural differences,” he said.

“With sincerity of purpose among leaders, institutions and government, the harmony that will guarantee stability in the polity will be attained,” he said.