The Abia State Government has accused herdsmen of being arrowheads of insecurity, particularly kidnapping in the state.
This comes weeks after Ondo State government relying on testimonials from kidnap victims indicted pastoralists of rising kidnappings in the state among other criminal activities.
Rotimi Akeredolu governor of the state ordered herders residing in forests reserves in the South-West state to either register or vacate the area within seven days. The order has expired but TODAY POLITICS gathered that the defiant herdsmen are yet to comply, despite being advised to do so by Miyetti Allah.
In Abia, the commissioner for information, John Kalu, in a statement yesterday said “without reservations, the activities of criminal herdsmen suspected to have masterminded recent brazen kidnap of innocent citizens around Abia North Senatorial Zone of the State.”
Mr Kalu said the herdsmen have also destroyed farmlands in the state, with their cows “grazing openly in violation of extant laws of the state and Nigeria.”
“Government also frowns seriously at the wanton destruction of cows by yet to be identified individuals whose aim is to exacerbate already existing tensions.
“Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has directed security agents in the state to bring to justice all those involved in the criminal activities,” the commissioner added. He urged residents not to be afraid to go out for their legitimate businesses.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Security Network owned by the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) has threatened to commence the eviction of violent herdsmen residing in forests across the South-East geo-political zone at the expiration of its two weeks vacation order.
“In less than two weeks, #ESN will commence the full enforcement of Nigeria’s Anti-Grazing Law in the East,” Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the secessionist group said. “Turn into a cow then and see what shall become of you.”
