We’ll carry out presidential directive to end attacks by herdsmen, says CDS

 Gen. Olonishakin

The military talked tough yesterday on the rampaging herdsmen across the country.

Chief of Defence Staff, (CDS) General Abayomi Gabriel Olonishakin, told Fulani leaders that following President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive, the military and other security agencies would fish out perpetrators and punish them accordingly.

The CDS, represented by Defence Headquarters’ Director of Administration, Maj- Gen. Fatai Alli, told leaders of Meyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association at a meeting in Abuja, that the military will not tolerate any form of violence from any group that takes up arms against another.

Following the killings by suspected Fulani herdsmen during an invasion of Nimbo in Uzo-Uwani local government of Enugu State last week, the President said: “Let me use this platform to condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the attack perpetrated on the Ukpabu Nimbo community in Uzo-Uwani area of Enugu State on Monday.

“I deeply sympathise with all those who lost dear ones, as well as those who lost their properties in the attack. I have directed the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector-General of Police to secure all communities under attacks by herdsmen.”

During yesterday’s meeting, the military chief and Miyetti Allah leaders expressed concern over the incessant attacks. The CDS said he had constituted a committee to interface with stakeholders.

He said: “We call on all to shealth their swords and embrace peace or else the full wrath of the military will come down on these perpetrators. We are a responsible military and we respect the rules of engagement and our operation is in line with best international best practices.”

Leader of Miyetti Allah, Senator Kabir Alkali, said his group welcomed the president’s crack down order on those attacking communities.

He lamented that millions of cows have been taken away by Boko Haram terrorists in the Northeast states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe. He said his group brought the list of grazing reserves and grazing routes that had been Gazetted since 1886 to the federal government for implementation.