From Emmanuel Ogoigbe, Warri and Paul Osuyi, Asaba
Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign States of Biafra (MASSOB) and Biafra Independence Movement (BIM), Delta South yesterday condemned the killing of innocent persons by Fulani herdsmen in South-East and urged President Muhammadu Buhari to call them to order.
Speaking to newsmen on the worrisome issue, MASSOB zonal leader, Patrick Agwulobi said it has become necessary for President Buhari to come out fully and talk to his people to stop the menace.
Agwulobi vowed that his people would continue to fight for the actualisation of the Republic of Biafra, insisting that there was no going back on the struggle.
“We will not allow the struggle started by late Chief Chukwu-Emeka Odimegwu Ojukwu 49 years ago to die, rather, we will intensify effort in ensuring that the struggle is achieved,” he said.
In a related development, a group, Miijyatti Allah Kautu Hore has advocated the setting up of Fulani vigilante outfit to address the menace caused by criminal Fulani herdsmen in Delta State. Coordinator of the group, Alhaji Lawal Imam made the call in Asaba at a stakeholders’ forum on fostering peaceful co-existence between farmers, host communities and herdsmen organised by the state government.
Imam admitted that there were criminal elements among the herdsmen in the state but insisted that the only way out was the setting up of a Fulani vigilance group, which will be empowered by the government.
Declaring the meeting open, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa said the purpose was to ensure a peaceful state where the people co-exist and carry out their business activities without fear.
“Issues of misunderstanding between the herdsmen and our communities have become worrisome in recent times and we don’t want it to continue, Deltans are hospitable people but, the would-be visitors to the state should know that they should live in peace with the people.
“The communities are beginning to lose patience and I hope we will be able to speak frankly and in a peaceful manner for us to proffer ways forward,” he said.