Taraba Govt. Tackles Miyetti Allah over Allegations of Killing

Adedayo‎ Akinwale in Abuja

‎Following the recent claims by the Miyetti Allah cattle breeders of Nigeria that 50 of its members were killed in fresh attacks, Taraba State government has refuted the claim by the state chapter of the association, describing it ‎as complete falsehood.

The stated government also said it was a ploy by the association to shield its members who are strongly believed to have carried out the attacks.

A statement issued yesterday in Abuja by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Silvanus Giwa said‎: “The claim by the leadership of Miyetti Allah was a mockery of the victims of the recent attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen who allegedly carried sophisticated weapons and used same to unleash terror on harmless and innocent people of Dori, Maisuma, Angai and Fali villages in Gashaka and parts of Kurmi local government areas of the state.”

He explained that the chairman of the association who addressed a press briefing in Jalingo on the incident failed to present evidence (photographs) of his members that were purportedly killed in the crisis.

Giwa stated: “The police and state government on the other hand presented gory photographs of the victims to buttress every point on the matter. Therefore, looking at the scenario, who is telling lies to cause harm than good in this matter?”

The governor’s aide noted that it was disheartening for the chairman who is a civilian to assume the position of a security chieftain by suggesting which measures should be adopted by the commissioner of police on how people believed to be culpable in the crisis should be treated; “simply because his member, one Ardo Ayuba, was arrested in connection with the crisis.”

“Intelligence report has it that the crisis started in the area when some suspected herdsmen killed a woman believed to be Ndoro by tribe when she resisted to be raped by them on her farm, contrary to what Miyetti Allah said”, Giwa said.

He said‎, “Taraba state governor, Arc Darius Ishaku has continued to emphasise the need for harmony and peaceful coexistence among the various communities in the state since he assumed office”.
The State chapter of the association had reportedly said at least 50 of its members had been killed in the current crisis between herdsmen and Ndoro people in Gashaka Local Government Area of the State.

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