Miyetti Allah Alleges Six Herders Killed, 100 Cattle Stolen in Enugu

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 stolen in different parts of Enugu State over the past two months.

Speaking to journalists in Enugu on Saturday, the National Deputy Director General of MACBAN, Alhaji Gidado Siddiki, said the killings occurred in Akpugo (Nkanu West), Uzo-Uwani, Udi, Ezeagu, and Oji River Local Government Areas. He was accompanied by relatives of victims and executive members of the association in the South East.

“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,” Siddiki stated.

He expressed concern that the attacks had continued despite earlier peace accords with the Enugu State Government after the Uzo-Uwani crisis. “Sadly, attacks have continued. About seven persons and over 100 cattle have been killed in repeated incidents in Uzo-Uwani and other LGAs. This dangerous trend calls for urgent government intervention to prevent further escalation,” he said.

Siddiki further alleged that some of the attackers wore uniforms resembling those of forest guards, urging a transparent investigation to uncover those responsible. He added: “It is unacceptable that while our members suffer these targeted assaults, pastoralists are still unfairly blamed for crimes we know nothing about. We appeal to the Enugu State Government and our host communities to see us as partners in peace, not scapegoats.”

He stressed that MACBAN condemns all forms of criminality and pledged cooperation with security agencies: “We reaffirm our commitment to peaceful coexistence and pledge full cooperation with security agencies to identify and expose criminals, regardless of their identity.”

Calling for concrete government action, Siddiki demanded compensation for victims’ families and herders who lost their livelihoods. “Words of sympathy are no longer enough. Compensation will not only bring relief but also demonstrate government’s sincerity in addressing these injustices. Crime is a threat to every decent citizen and to the progress of society. It must be tackled decisively in the interest of peace, justice, and development,” he added.