ABIA: We’re in support of Obiano’s directive on herders — MACBAN

THE South-East chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria has said Governor Willie Obiano’s directive to treat any herder illegally possessing firearms as a criminal is in accordance with their agreement at a meeting on security with the governor.

The Chairman of the group, Gidago Sidikki, stated this  yesterday while reacting to a statement credited to Obiano that he ordered the police and other security agencies to treat any herder found in possession of AK-47 rifle as an armed robber.

The governor made the statement at a stakeholders’ security summit in Awka on Monday

He, however, noted that the order would take effect immediately the state has taken a headcount of herders in the state.

Sidikki said, “The governor’s order is in line with the already existing agreement between the South-East governors and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria.

“My members have been having a good relationship with their host communities in spite of some isolated cases of misunderstanding, which is normal in every human society.