MASSOB accuses soldiers of protecting Fulani herdsmen

– MASSOB accuses soldiers of trying to protect Fulani herdsmen

– The pro-Biafra group says it is an agenda of the government to Islamise Nigeria

– The group advises vigilante groups to be well coordinated

The recent attacks in agrarian communities purportedly carried out by Fulani herdsmen has elicited reaction from the Movement for the Actualisation of a Sovereign State Of Biafra (MASSOB) who have accused soldiers of supporting the herdsmen.

This reaction is coming after soldiers arrested 76 villagers in Ugwuleshi autonomous community in Awgu local government area of Enugu state following their clash with Fulani herdsmen.

It was reported that following the abduction of two women on their way to the farm, members of the community mobilized to go and rescue the women but before they could do so, 76 members of the community were arrested by soldiers.

The villagers were detained by soldiers at Umuahia Prisons for two weeks before they were charged with arson and illegal possession of arms following a public condemnation and outcry.

They were also charged with burning down 90 houses in Obinwanne Fulani community settlement in Umunneochi.

The presiding magistrate at the magistrates court in Umuahia in Abia state granted them bail in the sum of N200,000 each with five sureties who must be resident in Umuahia or Umunneochi after they pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Mr. Samuel Edeson who is the director of information of MASSOB claimed the activities of the herdsmen were part of the scheme of the government to Islamise the country.

The group also warned soldiers to stop molesting Igbo by protecting herdsmen who destroyed crops with their cows.

He said: “MASSOB warns Nigerian Army to stop intimidating and killing the people of Biafra in the guise of protecting the Fulani herdsmen and their cattle.

“MASSOB advise South-East governors to encourage community-based vigilante groups for proper and well-coordinated security of lives, properties and farmlands.”