Following the Kidnap of five Fulani herdsmen by suspected Gunmen, the leaders of Ngodo, Mbaugwu-Uturu community in Isikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State have denied any involvement in the alleged abduction.
The Fulani herdsmen were reported to have been allegedly abducted in the bush when their cattle grazed on some farmers’ crops in the community.
Alhaji Gidado Siddiki, the South East Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) while speaking to journalists about the kidnap implicated the local vigilantes to have been a part of the development.
Siddiki reported: “Some gangs who claimed to be vigilantes in Ngodo, Mbaugwu-Uturu community, Abia State, invaded the camp of two Fulani herdsmen and abducted them. Their cows, as a result, were scattered in the bush. Initially, when they didn’t return to the camp the following morning, their colleagues at a general camp thought that they missed their way. So, three persons went to search for them. Sadly, three of them were equally abducted by the same gang as they went without weapons.
He added: “We went to Okigwe Divisional Police Station, Imo State, to report the matter but they said that that area is not under their jurisdiction. So, we went to Isikwuato Police Division, they also declined having jurisdiction there. We had no option than to report to the military in Abia State.”
Responding to the allegation, the President-General of Mbaugwu-Uturu Community, Mr. Maduike Damian, denied Siddick’s accusation and claims, he said: “I am on top of that situation. But that act was not carried out by our people.”
He continued: “In fact, we have mobilised our youths to assist the police in fishing out the culprits. I married from the North and as such, I wouldn’t support any act that will bring us on a collision course with the Fulani.
“In fact, the report available to me has it that there are a group of hoodlums living in that bush for about a year now. I was surprised,” he added.
When asked about the development in the search for the missing herdsmen, a Senior Army officer informed news agency, The AUTHORITY that “in my capacity I can’t talk to the press but my commanding officer will get back to you for details. He is currently in a meeting in Ohafia.”
Volunteering the support of the youths of the community in the search for the missing herdsmen, a youth leader who preferred to remain anonymous said the youths will assist the secure agents in tracing the victims.