Date: 2017-03-27

Consequent upon the alarm raised by Miyettti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) regarding alleged ceaseless killings of their members across the state, the Kwara State police command has launched a manhunt to arrest perpetrators in the carnage.

The situation, it was gathered last night, has caused serious tension in the affected areas across the state.

Most of the traditional rulers whose jurisdiction fall under the "hot zone" have reportedly inundated the state Commissioner of Police, Olusola Amore with calls expressing concern over the issue.

Recall that MACBAN petitioned Amore over the incident last week. The group accused the vigilante in a press conference at its secretariat along Sango road, Ilorin, last week, of wanton killing and destruction of their member's property.

They further warned of massive attack from their kinsmen if nothing was done over the issue.

But speaking with National Pilot on the issue yesterday, the state Commissioner of Police, Olusola Amore confirmed that the police has launched arrest for those names that were contained in the petition submitted by MACBAN.

He however could not confirm the numbers that have been arrested so far because he was not in the office.

According to him, "The cattle breeders were in my office last week with a petition on the issue listing the names of the suspects.

"I have approved the petition and instructed my DPOs to start working on it. So far, some arrests have been made and we are on top of the situation," he said. When asked to comment on the number of those that have been arrested so far, Amore said "I cannot confirm how many of the suspects have been arrested in relation to the incident now.

"You know today is Sunday and I will not go to the office. I can tell you the number when I get to the office tomorrow."

"Most of the Emirs have been calling me that their people are running helter-skelter following the clampdown. My reaction was that they need not be afraid because it is only those whose names have been mentioned in the petition that would be arrested.

"That is the issue. I went to Baruten to see things for myself firsthand and we are working very seriously to secure the lives and property of the people of the state. That is our mandate and with the support of the people, we shall leave no stone unturned to achieve that, "Amore added.

Also speaking with this medium last night, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Miyetti Allah, Hassan Dan Madami said the association is yet to meet with the Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed over the issue.

According to him, when the group got to the Governor's office after their press conference last Wednesday, they were attended to by the Special Assistant on Intelligence, who told them "the Governor will call for them whenever he is ready".

Recently, the Miyetti Allah and vigilantes in the state clashed in Baruten over disagreement and accusation of herdsmen's invasion which led to loss of lives and destruction of property.

Recall that the state chairman of the association, Alhaji Usman Adamu, has said Fulanis from various parts of the country stormed the state penultimate week seeking permission to retaliate the killings but for his intervention.

He further warned that patience of their kinsmen is running thin regarding the Kwara situation and "they have warned of massive consequences if nothing is done to address the situation.