Ebonyi Govt., Miyeti Group Debunk Attack on herdsmen
The Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi has debunked the video and audio news making the round on the alleged attack and forcing out of Fulani herdsmen in the state.
Gov. Umahi who was connected thru a phone call during an emergency meeting between the state government and the leadership of Miyeti Allah Association that took place at the cabinet office, old government house Abakaliki on Monday 4th January 2021, directed that the arrest and prosecution of the persons who allegedly released the fake video and audio clip trending on the social media be done.
The Governor noted that the fake video and audio circulating in the social media is already causing panic and tension in the country.
He called on the extra security in the local government area for the herders saying; “I also wants the local government to check if we can provide extra security around the herdsmen at the local level”.
He said: “I have noted that the video and audio circular in the social media platforms are creating fears. In Abakakliki local government area last night, two cows were killed and so, my directives is that the security agencies should wakeup.
“They should arrest anybody that is trying to discuss any matter that is between life and death including the Fulani herdsmen. This must be taken seriously and I will not accept the delay in retrieving this fake news that was causing panic already in all over the country.
“I want the attorney general and commissioner for justice and local government chairmen to direct the herdsmen to keep watch over their cattle.
The Secretary to the state government Mr. Kenneth Ugbala, however, alleged that the opposition party and other perceived enemies of the government are behind such videos and audio, with an intention to abridge the existing relationship between the Ebonyi state government and Fulani herdsmen.
Ugbala, maintained that the information can not be traced in any part of the State. He thanked the security chiefs for complying with the agreements reached in the 23rd, December security meeting.
The Attorney General and commissioner for justice in the state Bar Cletus Ofoke while addressing the headers, said the law of the state will take its effect on the propagator of the said fake video trending on the social.
Commissioner of police Ebonyi state command CP Sule Maku in his submission appealed to Ebonyi people to oblige the security agencies with useful information that could lead to the arrest of the hoodlums.
Meanwhile, the leadership of Miyeti Allah cattle Breeders association MACBAN Ebonyi state chapter has debunked the purported video and audio circulating in the social media platforms alleging that they were under attack.
In a communiqué signed by the chairman of the association Alhaji Usman Ishaku and Alhaji Inusa Sani Secretary, the group denied the allegation.
The group urged Headers in the state to disregard the said video.
According to them, herdsmen resident in Ebonyi state have co-habited peacefully with their natives and host communities without any fear, molestation, threat or intimidation to them or their cows.
The communique read in parts, “The audio and video in circulation on social media platforms alleging that herdsmen were being attacked and chased out of Ebonyi state, are false, fake, misleading and orchestrated attempt by mischief makers and enemies of peace.
“The association is enjoying in Ebonyi State, to cause disharmony between the peace-loving people of Ebonyi state and Fulani herdsmen residents in Ebonyi state” the group stated.
