Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN said its attention has been drawn to a video in circulation on the social media platforms alleging that some Fulanis were forcefully expelled and evicted from their houses in Ebonyi State.
However, MACBAN has called general public to disregard the fake video alleging attack on its members in Ebonyi, saying the state Governor, Dave Umahi is a bridge of National Unity in the country.
Baba Othman Ngelzarma, the National Secretary, MACBAN made the disclosure in a statement issued and made available to journalists on Monday.
The statement read: "We took our time to investigate the allegations and discovered that it is a complete fabrication and a voice-on-video added by nefarious elements to cause disaffection among the Fulani and their host Communities. It is also intended to tarnish the image of Ebonyi State Government through deliberate mischief and propagation of falsehood.
The intention of the perpetrators of this inciting video is to tarnish the hard earned reputation of the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. David N. Umahi whose towering credentials as an elder statesman who embraces all citizens as one family. We are not oblivious of their plans to rubbish anything from the Governor no matter how noble. This is unfortunate and condemnable.
"The families involved in the video are that of Alhaji Hassan who is moving to Taraba State in search of greener pasture. This is the usual practice by most Fulanis. In fact, some of the family members of Alhaji Hassan are staying behind in Ebonyi State. Not all of them are moving to Taraba State.
The Ebonyi State Chapter have since debunked the allegation and have issued a press release to that effect.
"We are glad the Police have swung into action and some arrest have been made to unravel the masterminds of the video with a view of bringing them to book.
"The State Government have equally debunked the video as an act of mischievous elements who are clearly trying to instigate crisis in the State.
"For the avoidance of doubt, the Fulanis in Ebonyi State are grateful with the cordial relationship between them and their host Communities and the support the State Government is giving them at all times.
"We want place on record that the Ebonyi State Government offered all our Chairmen in the 13 Local Government Areas appointment as Technical Assistants. This is done with a view of effective monitoring of security challenges as well as ensuring peaceful coexistence between the Fulanis and their host Communities. In addition to this, not less than 5 five members of the State Officials of Miyetti Allah were given appointments by the state Government in various capacities. The State Government did not only gave them appointments but back it up with the necessary logistics needed to ease their work. Vehicles were allocated to them. More so the herders children were made part of the state government free and compulsory education programs. This is unprecedented and the Fulani Community is very grateful for the support the Ebonyi State Government is according them.
"The National leadership of MACBAN want to use this opportunity to thank the Ebonyi State Council of Traditional Rulers whom are very committed peace ambassadors. This is clearly demonstrated by the goodwill the Fulani Community is receiving from them. Our relationship with them is very cordial. This is manifested in the way farmers and herders are enjoying the symbiotic relationship where the farmers are utilising the manure from the cattle for farming purposes through their locally arranged shifting activities after a given period. Despite the usual skirmishes between them, which are always mitigated in good time, ebonyi can be said to be one of the states where herders enjoy relative peace in the country.
"Once again, we call on all law abiding citizens to disregard the video in its entirety. It is the figment of the imagination of mischief makers."
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