Igbo Youths Demand FG To Investigate Arrest Of 76 Farmers Over Fulani Herdsmen Alleged Attack

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News Wednesday, April 6th, 2016

By Ignatius Okpara, Enugu

A socio cultural organization, under the aegis of Igbo Youths Movement (IYM), has called on the Federal Government (FG) to probe the soldiers who allegedly arrested 76 farmers in Ugwuleshi community in Awgu Council of Enugu State over the plan to protest against activities of Fulani herdsmen in the locality.

The group in a statement issued by its founder, Evangelist Elliot Uko Tuesday, wondered why the men had to be arrested by soldiers from Abia State and not the police.

IYM expressed concern over the development, stressing that if such trend was not properly addressed, it would set a very bad precedent in Nigeria.

“The army should not be easily drawn into policing, especially when emotions are high over the notorious impunity of the Fulani herdsmen.

“The decision to use soldiers instead of the Police was a wrong choice” IYM insisted.

“Did the Governors of both Abia and Enugu, specifically ask for soldiers to cart away the farmers? Who gave the order authorizing the military to wade in? It asked.

“Why did the military deny that they were involved at the onset?

“Nobody believes the funny narrative of fake soldiers in military uniform and military trucks; we think someone is trying to cover up the obvious use of the Army to settle ethnic scores.

‘’We demand a thorough investigation to the use of the Army to round up and cart away all the able bodied young men in Ugwuleshi village, over incessant attacks from Fulani herdsmen.

The group maintained that “Only a thorough probe of the incident and punishment meted out to whoever ordered soldiers to invade the community, would assuage the feeling of unjust intimidation and persecution, pervading Ugwuleshi and environs at the moment.”