The leadership of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), has debunked what it called a rumour circulating that the Prince of Ukpo kingdom, Prince Arthur Eze, is harbouring Fulani herdsmen in his country home of Ukpo in Dunukofia local government government area of Anambra State.
The association appealed to the people of the Ukpo community, the state and the general public to disregard the information, noting that no such development in the area.
Allahaji Gidado Siddiki, the South East leader and the National Deputy Director-General of MACBAN, who debunked the allegations via a statement in Awka, on Wednesday, said the allegations of harbouring Fulani individuals between Enugwu Agidi and Aba Junction as being speculated via voice clip are categorically false, as there are no Fulani communities in those areas.
He noted that the voice clip is a product of malicious intent, orchestrated by individuals seeking to sow discord within a society that has enjoyed harmony for decades.
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The statement read in part; ‘Our attention has been drawn to a voice clip circulating regarding Arthur Eze allegedly harbouring Fulani individuals in his country home in Ukpor community, Dunukofia LGA, Anambra State. Arthur Eze, renowned for his international philanthropic endeavours, is esteemed worldwide for his commitment to treating all individuals with equality and respect, akin to family. It is important to note that Arthur, as an Igbo figure, brings pride to the Igbo community.
“We unequivocally declare that the voice clip is a product of malicious intent, orchestrated by individuals seeking to sow discord within a society that has enjoyed harmonious coexistence for many years. The allegations of harbouring Fulani individuals between Enugwu Agidi and Aba Junction are categorically false, as there are no Fulani communities in those areas. Furthermore, any claims suggesting the presence of Fulani or their cattle from Aba Junction to Ebenebe are baseless, as they have been dispelled by those with malicious intent. Regrettably, we have suffered losses of approximately 15 individuals and 180 cattle between February and April 2024 due to the hostility propagated by this group.
“Despite their efforts to influence public opinion, it is crucial to emphasize that less than 49% of cattle pastoralists currently operate within the South-East geopolitical region.
“We implore all Nigerians to embrace the spirit of accommodation, allowing individuals to engage in legitimate business activities regardless of their location within the country. We particularly urge our fellow South Easterners, who predominantly belong to the Igbo tribe, to dismiss such rumours and continue to extend hospitality to strangers within our cherished land, as it is this inclusive approach that has historically contributed to our success as a globally recognized and respected community.”
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