Miyetti Allah: No Plan To Attack Cross River Community

The Cross River State Branch of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria has debunked rumours that Fulani herdsmen were planning to attack residents of Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River.

The Chairman of the association, Alhaji Hassan Abo, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Calabar, described the rumour as “devilish and wicked’’.

Abo said that cattle breeders in Obanliku had been living peacefully with residents of the local government over the years, adding that the unity should not be destroyed with fake rumour.

“It is not true that Fulani herdsmen are planning to attack any community in Obanliku Local Government or any other area in the state.

“As an umbrella body of the breeders association, we want to state clearly that we are peace loving people, residing here in Cross River State.

“We urge government and the security agencies to bring anyone found wanting to book. I want to applaud Gov. Ben Ayade for his efforts in protecting lives and property of all residents in the state.

Alhaji Yusuf Usman, the Chief Imam of Obudu Mosque, told NAN in a telephone interview that the rumour got to them late on July 17.

Usman said that the information, which had caused panic in the area, had reduced the distance breeders go with their cattle to search for pasture.

“Due to the rumour, we are now scared. Some cattle breeders can no longer move freely because members of the community are now seeing them as their enemies.

“The rumour that Fulani herdsmen are planning to attack them is false. Obudu and Obanliku Local Governments are very close and I want to state clearly that we have no such plan against our host communities.

“I wish to assure the state government and security agencies that we will not allow breakdown of law and order from our members in this area,’’ he said.

NAN