There is apprehension in the riverine community of Umuoba-Anam, in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State, over two missing cattle herdsmen.
Already, six people have been arrested in connection with the incident by the Anambra State Police Command, which has deployed over 500 officers and men to the community to maintain peace and order. The two cattle breeders were said to have been abducted by some youths on their way to Otuocha at the weekend and their belongings found in the bush but have not been seen since then.
Confirming the deployment of his men to the area, the Commissioner of Police, Samuel Okaula told newsmen in Awka, yesterday, that the command was not leaving any stone unturned and assured that anybody involved in any unwholesome act would be made to face the law.
Okaula, who did not confirm whether anybody was killed, said the information the police has was a case of missing persons, and also disclosed that the command was still investigating what happened in the community.
He further confirmed that his men have stormed all nooks and crannies of Umuoba-Anam community, including thebushes, to ensure that hoodlums do not take over the area.
The police officer urged the people to go about their normal businesses without panic as security operatives were on top of the situation.
However, leader of the Fulani in Anambra and Zonal Chairman (South-Eastern Nigeria) of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Sadiq Gidado, who spoke to newsmen in Awka, said the incident happenedwhile cattle breeders grazed their cattle.
According to him, they were at Eziagulu-Otu community grazing and decided to go to Otuocha market all in the same local government to buy something, when they were abducted by unknown youths. He also explained that while the two persons were missing, their belongings including caps and shoes that they took to the place had been recovered, except their motorcycle.
Gidado, however, said, “If they were killed, all we want to see is their bodies and we will be satisfied. I don’t know why some people want to cause trouble after the peace accord with the state government and security operatives in Anambra.”
Father of 26-year-old Musa Nuhu, one of the two breeders, 60-year-old Alhaji Bello Nuhu, told newsmen that he had the feeling that his son had been killed by the youths since his shoes and caps were recovered and blood stains seen at the scene, a development that has kept him awake since then.
“I was in my house when I got a call and I rushed to the place and since then, I have been devastated and worried because my son is in charge of my cattle and the other siblings of his, cannot take care of the cattle.”
For 40-year-old Haruna Hassan, elder brother to 32-year-old Adamu Haruna, the second missing person, the incident has devastated him as only two of them were remaining and taking care of their late father’s cattle.
Hassan disclosed that their father was equally killed some years back during the Uzo-Uwani saga in Enugu State, stressing that the weekend incident has kept him sad and frustrated.
