Metro

Fear as herdsman escapes death, gunmen kill 20 cows in Anambra

A cattle rearer named Haruna Mohammed narrowly escaped death on Monday when gunmen invaded his settlement in Mgbaukwu Community, located in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State killing 20 cows and several others were injured.

The leader of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MCBAN) in the Southeast, Gidado Siddiki, who disclosed this while briefing Journalists in Awka on Wednesday also noted that the entire Fulani family in the state are currently living in fear over the incident.

He said that the police and local vigilantes in the vicinity were aware of the attack and emphasised that the gunmen were still besieging the scene of the incident.

Siddikki said “I came to know about the incident when the owner of the cows Mr Haruna Mohammed called me on Friday, November 10, and told me that he heard an announcement in the community that some people suspected to be gunmen are planning to attack his cows, then I advised him to relocate the cows to neighbouring communities of Amanuke and Ebenebe with immediate effect, in which he obeys but to our unimaginable surprised the gunmen got the relocation information and trail Mr Mohammed and his cows to Amanuke town where they ambush them on Monday and in the process, a total of 20 cows worth about N14 million were killed and others injured.

Mr Mohammed was born and bred in the community. He is a peace-loving man who has friends and has been participating in every ceremony that happens in the town.

“I don’t know why he should be rewarded for such inhuman treatment.

“Before the execution of the act, I called the Transition Committee Chairman of Awka North LGA, Comrade Thankgod Anago and informed him about the threat, but he could not do anything to prevent the ugly situation. Our people are currently living in fear across the state coupled with the economic hardship in the country. And as I am speaking to you now, the gunmen are still laying siege at the scene of the attack alongside the cows.

Siddikki, who is also Siriki Fulani in Anambra and the National Deputy Director of MCBAN while calling on the State Government, and security agencies to ensure that those behind the invasion are brought to Justice, appealed to his members to remain calm and go about their normal businesses.

He however commended the State Government and the Police authority for their steadfast commitment to ensuring the sanctity of lives and properties in the state and their prompt response to curtail further destruction.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, when contacted via telephone, said he is not aware of the situation.

“I will make an inquiry and get back to you, please.”

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