The apex Igbo socio-cultural body, Ohaneze Ndigbo has asserted that no part of the South-East geopolitical region would be surrendered to the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) for cattle breeding.

The group affirmed its readiness to resist any attempt in that direction and warned that it would not bow to pressure or threats coming certain quarters to cede any part of Igbo land to them.

Leader of MACBAN, Gidado Siddiki had allegedly threatened to unleash mayhem on the South-East as a consequence of the refusal of the South-East Governors to give their members land for cattle rearing.

MACBAN Leader, Gidado Sidikki

Siddiki was quoted as saying, “since they are claiming to be stubborn, and had refused to give us their lands in peace, it will be taken by force and entire South-East will be raided and taken over by herdsmen”.

But in a swift reaction, Ohanaeze maintained that it was “prepared and waiting for them”, declaring that their threats to surrendering their land to them was of no consequence.

In a statement by the President General of Ohaneze Indigbo, Nnia Nwodo, the group stated that, after meeting with its National Executive Committee (NEC) in Enugu, cautioned the people of the South-East to be vigilant and get ready to defend themselves in the event of any threat or attacks on them.

He said, “Await our next directives after consultation with our political and religious leaders, legislators, and traditional rulers, town unions and affiliate organisations”.

Nwodo described the threat as dangerous and could trigger a state of insecurity in the country, stressing that the increase in killings, banditry and kidnappings were an indication of a decaying state of national security.

The South East governors had at the weekend in Enugu, during their meeting, agreed that open grazing by the cattle breeders would not be tolerated in the zone by any reason.