Cattle breeders allege abduction of five herdsmen in Abia

South East Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Gidado Siddiki, yesterday raised the alarm, alleging that five Fulani herdsmen have been abducted by unknown gunmen in Ngodo, Mbaugwu-Uturu community in Isiukwuato Local Council area of Abia State.

Siddiki, who made the disclosure while briefing newsmen in Awka, the state capital, said the herdsmen were kidnapped in the bush as they grazed their cattle, adding that two persons had earlier been abducted before the abduction of the other three colleagues who went in search of them.

According to the MACBAN chairman, some gangs who claimed to be members of vigilante groups in Ngodo, Mbaugwu-Uturu community, invaded the camp of two Fulani herdsmen and abducted them.

He explained that, following the incident, “their cows scattered in the bush,’ as their colleagues at the general camp initially thought they had missed the road.

He said they lodged complaints at the “Okigwe and Isiukwuato divisional police stations, but they failed to act, as they claimed the area was not within their jurisdiction. The chairman said the matter was later reported to the military base in Abia.

Meanwhile, President-General, Mbaugwu-Uturu community,Maduike Damian, who confirmed the incident, debunked the allegation of involvement of people in his community.

Guardian news