IRIGWE DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION,(IDA)
RELEASE

It has become pertinent to respond to a recent statement credited to the miyyeti Allah cattle breeders ASSOCIATION, MACBAN, plateau state chapter, signed by its chairman, one nura Mohammed abdullahi on 15th January 2018.

The statement purports that IRIGWE youth militia on 15th January 2018, attacked Fulani cattle rearers around gidan Ado village in Ganawuri district of Riyom LGA.

During the incident, 150 cattle were said to have been russled and others found dead.

The miyyeti Allah also claims that another attack happened at Dangwal village of same ganawuri, where livestock were allegedly russled but some found by the operation safe haven
We will like to state here that, the miyyeti Allah cattle breeders Association, MACBAN, has become so predictable in its operations. As such, we view statements like this as part of a sinister plan to launch attacks on innocent communities.

We therefore urge for vigilance from all and sundry,especially security operatives, who are saddled with the duty of protecting lives and property.

The IRIGWE nation wishes to state categorically, for the umpteenth time, we do not have any youth militia,unlike the miyetti Allah group, who’s militia gang has continued to unleash terror and mayhem on innocent communities across the country.

This is evident in the fact that, anytime there is an attack on innocent communities, MACBAN the umbrella body of the Fulanis comes out with releases such as this or make media appearances to justify the killings.

It is on record and confirmed by the plateau state police command, that only on the night of Sunday the 14th of January 2018, the rigwe community of kimakpa, woke up to bury one of ours from an overnight attack by same ravaging herdsmen.

At a time we are still mourning the dead and security agencies working to arrest the perpetrators, MACBAN has come out with this frivolous accusations. This is most unfortunate.

The alleged rustling of the livestock was said to have taken place in Ganawuri of Riyom LGA. What reason does the IRIGWE man have to go into its neighbour’s territory in such a manner? We see this accusation as a calculated attempt to set us on a war path with our peaceful neighbours of many years, the attempt has failed!

In view of all this, we urge security agencies to be on serious guard and not to be swayed by this calculated distraction, aimed at shifting their attention from unravelling the killers of IRIGWE people in the recent and previous attacks which claimed more than seventy lives and destroyed property of inestimable value.

If indeed, Fulani cattle have been russled or killed, we urge the owners to look elsewhere for the perpetrators and leave IRIGWE people to mourn our dead from the recent attack and similar ones we are yet to recover from.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Rigwe man is not known to russle cattle,as it is never in our character. Even the Fulanis that have resided amongst us can attest to this fact.

Rather, there are times the Fulanis in apparent flee from our territories following the perpetration of crimes, run away,leaving their livestock behind. Rigwe people have always called them back or drive their flock to them at selected locations. To accuse the IRIGWE man of russling cattle is indeed a big lie from the pit of hell. We see this as an attempt to rubbish our name and urge all members of the public to discountenance this obnoxious allegations.

We want all well meaning individuals, government agencies and security agencies to be on alert to avert the actions that we consider this statement as prelude to.

Thank you.

IDA PRO.

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We Don’t Rustle Cow and we Don’t have Militia Group as MACBAN Frivolously Claimed – IDA