By Kola Adeyemi
Abuja – The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has condemned the silence of the Federal Government and the
military authorities over the recent “seemingly intentional Killings of over 40 pastoralists
and butchers in Nasarawa State
Muhammad Nura, the National Public Relations Officer of MACBAN made the condemnation in a statement obtained by vitalnews in Abuja on Friday.
vitalnews reports that the pastoralists and butchers were killed by bombs allegedly dropped by an unidentified drone on
Rukubi village of Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa
State on Tuesday, January 25, 2023.
MACBAN described the silence of the Federal Government and military authorities as “reprehensible and total lack of regards to the loss of lives of ordinary Nigerians.
The association insisted that the pastoralists and butchers ” are victims of high handedness of Benue State Government and the officers of the Makurdi based Operation whirl stroke who deployed an aircraft/drone that killed the innocent pastoralists who went to Makurdi to retrieve 1, 250 livestock earlier impounded by the Benue State livestock guards after paying a fine of N29 million.
“If nothing else, we expect the President to commiserate with families of the victims for this heinous crime.
” MACBAN recalls that this is the third time in one year that the Air force, Makurdi had been involved in shooting livestock in Nasarawa, Benue and Taraba States
“The recent killings constitute War crime and a panel inquiry must be constituted
to find out on whose authority the drone/aircraft was used and punish the culprits.
” MACBAN also hold the Benue State government liable in this incident because from all indications, the trucks carrying the livestock were closely monitored and waited until it reached its destination before unleashing the armed drone on pastoralists who were waiting to collect their livestock.
“These pastoralists are bonafide Nigerians and have right like every other citizen and therefore must be protected under the law.
“The lose of one live is bad enough talk less of over 40 innocent lives in a single
swoop.
“This is unacceptable and most despicable crime against humanity.
“We find it shameful that while people were being killed, the President was enjoying a state dinner in Katsina state.
“We also call on the Nigerian Human Rights Commission to investigate this case
and other cases involving the shooting by the Air force in Nasarawa State,” the statement said. (vitalnewsngr.com)
