By Ovat Abeng
A cattle rearer, Haruna Mohammed on Monday escaped death as some persons suspected to be gunmen invaded his settlement at Mgbaukwu Community in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, killing 20 cows and injured others.
The leader of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MCBAN) in the Southeast, Alhaji 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 the Police and Vigilante in the area are aware of the attacked, noting that the gunmen are still laying siege at the scene of the incident.
He noted that no life was loss during the attacked.
Alhaji Siddikki, said “I came to know about the incident when the owner of the cows Mr. Haruna Mohammed called me on Friday November 10, 2023 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 obeyed but to our unimaginable surprise 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 breed 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 in 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 couple 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 with the cows.”
Siddikki, who is also Siriki Fulani in Anambra and the National Deputy Director of MCBAN while calling on the State Government, 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 ensure the sanctity of lives and properties in the state and their prompt response to curtailed further destruction.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, when contacted via telephone, said he is not aware of the situation, but promise to get back to our correspondent.
“I will make an inquiry and get back to you, please.”
However, as at the time of filing this report the Police PRO was yet to get back to our correspondent as promised earlier.
