Report of Fulani herdsmen keeps arising and is a new source of worry for Nigerians. Following our report on the activity of Fulani Herdsmen in the country, seizing people's land and property, it is now reported that they have began kidnapping also.
Two days ago, Fulani herdsmen kidnapped a police man after engaging a joint team of the Nigerian Army and Mobile Police Force personnel in Agatu, Benue state in a gun duel.
One of the policemen, Corporal Ebiakpo Akparakazi, was also reported missing during the attack.
The Benue state police spokesman, ASP Moses Yamu, who confirmed the incident, said that search teams have been sent out to find the missing officer.
Now yesterday, a non-academic staff of the Delta State University, Abraka, Mr. John Ogeleke, was kidnapped at Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area, Delta State by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the incident, said Ogeleke was heading towards Ogume from Kwale in his Nissan Pathfinder jeep when he was abducted at gun point. She explained that Fulani four men armed with guns and sticks emerged from a nearby bush, forced the vehicle to a stop, seized the 54 years old Ogeleke before taking him into the bush. Kalu said the Police in the Kwale division, vigilante team members, men of Dragon 25 police patrol team and reinforcement from nearby divisions were already searching the vast bush.
According to her, the Fulani leader in Kwale, Alhaji Mudi, has also been informed “to assist in the search as several Fulani camps are located therein.” Meanwhile, a dependable source in the community told Vanguard that the herdsmen have demanded N5 million as ransom for the victim’s release. The source, who preferred anonymity, lamented that Ogume Road had become a hotspot for kidnappers.
It would seem that most of these Fulani herdsmen are not what they appear to be; quiet men with cattles moving, looking for green pasture.
Nigerians have begun commenting on this and see it as a plot by the herdsmen to force states to implement the Grazing bill, allocating pieces of land for their use. Generally, The Fulani herdsmen case has to be controlled before it gets completely out of hand.
Source: www.vanguardngr.com
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