Fulani Herdsmen Lament: “In Anambra, We Are Being Refused Accommodations”

Fulani herdsmen in the state of Anambra have voiced indignation at how people have treated them via the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).

According to MACBAN, the South-East state is not accommodating its citizens, which interferes with their regular business.

This was purportedly disclosed to media over the weekend when Alhaji Gidado Siddiki, the regional director of MACBAN for the South East, attended Governor Charles Soludo’s one-year anniversary in office.

Siddiki cited Anaku, Umueje, Omor, Igbakwu, Omasi, Umumbo, Umuerum, and Ifite-Ogwari, all in the Ayamelum local government council of the areas of the state, as places where MACBAN members had been refused housing to support the group’s claim while addressing dignitaries at the event held in Awka, the state capital.

He urged the administration of Governor Soludo to act quickly to promote harmony and peace. Siddiki said that despite “some incidences of misunderstanding,” his members have a friendly connection with the natives.

Our interest in the lands, according to Siddiki, was entirely commercial. No herder in the state was interested in arguing over land ownership with people from their host villages.

When there is a dispute between our members and the host communities in the state, “We applauded the Police and DSS for their swift reactions.”

But, the MACBAN head said that there was still more to be done to guarantee that law-abiding residents, including herders, were free to do their operations in the state without obstacles.

He claims that they are want a safe environment to conduct their grazing operation since they are cattle breeders.

In order to improve everyone’s quality of life and maintain the existing harmonious coexistence in the regions, Siddiki said, “We are prepared to help our host communities in whatever capacity they want us to.”