ANIAS PG Condemns Slain of 4 Herders in Anambra, Warns Against Sabotaging Peace

ANIAS PG,members and Fulani Herders community in Anambra State after the burial of four herders slained by unknown Gunmen on Wednesday

The President of the Association of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State (ANIAS), Prince Chigozie Nweke, has described the slainiing of four herders in Anambra State by unknown gunmen as unfortunate and condemnable.
Nweke made the statement on Wednesday during the burial of the four siblings, who were slained by unknown gunmen. The burial, which was attended by members of the association, took place in Ugwuoba, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.
While commiserating with the Fulani community, whose members were the victims of the attack, Nweke said criminal elements were being used to undermine the peace and security that Anambra State has enjoyed in recent times.
“We commiserate with our Fulani brothers over this unfortunate incident. We share in their pain and sorrow, and we reiterate our unwavering support for all efforts aimed at combating insecurity in Anambra State,” he said.
Nweke also warned those he described as enemies of peace in Anambra State to desist from acts capable of creating fear and destabilizing the state.
He cautioned against orchestrating violence and spreading false narratives that could threaten public peace and security.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command and the Fulani herders’ community in the state have dismissed reports suggesting that the attack resulted from a clash between farmers and herders.
According to both parties, there has been no farmers-herders conflict in Anambra State to justify such claims.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, described the attack as a conspiracy and an act of sabotage carried out by criminal elements seeking to disrupt the peace currently being enjoyed in the state.
The police also dismissed reports linking the attack to a disagreement between the host community and herders, insisting that such claims were false and misleading.
Ikenga stated that the incident appeared to be a calculated attempt by saboteurs to undermine the significant security gains recorded by the state government and security agencies.
Also speaking, the leader of the Fulani community in Anambra State and Deputy National Director-General of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Gidado Siddiki, confirmed that the attack was unrelated to any farmers-herders conflict.
According to him, the location where the incident occurred was not farmland.
“As far as we are concerned, there is no farmland there to suggest that crops were destroyed,”
“Those claiming that this was a clash between Fulani herders and farmers are not correct. From all indications, this appears to be a carefully planned act of sabotage intended to create tension in the state.”Siddiki said.
Siddiki urged the Anambra State Government to include the President of the Association of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State, Prince Chigozie Nweke, in the committee expected to interface with host communities on security matters.
He noted that ANIAS represents various ethnic nationalities across Nigeria and has consistently contributed to peacebuilding and conflict resolution in the state.
“We commend the Association of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State, led by Prince Chigozie Nweke, for working closely with us. They have held several meetings with us and have intervened on many occasions to resolve issues affecting our members.”
“They should be part of the committee to create greater synergy between the indigenous communities, non-indigenes, and security stakeholders.”
“The association comprises members from all tribes and ethnic groups across the country, and it has consistently demonstrated commitment to the welfare of its members and the promotion of peaceful coexistence,” he added.
It will be recalled that last Tuesday, four herders, who were brothers born to the same father, were reportedly tied to a tree, tortured, and slaughtered by suspected gunmen. Seven cattle were also killed during the attack.