In reaction to an alleged proposal by the Miyeti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) to set up local vigilance groups in South East to curb criminal activities by the herdsmen in the region, the South East Governors Forum has refused to allow such to take place.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief David Umahi, in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Uzor, made it known that the Governors will not succumb on the decision by MACBAN to set up local vigilance groups in the region described it as being alien.

He said, “I find it extremely strange for anybody to think that non-locals in any part of the country, including the South-East, could be allowed to form vigilante outfit. The Miyetti Allah group may have made that suggestion, which I believe will never mean to form a vigilante in South-East.

“Whichever is the meaning, no governor will allow that. South-East governors have their local vigilantes working with security agencies. Any such demand by Miyetti group is a joke and not acceptable.

“Governors of South-East are doing their best and we have no problems receiving insults from our people. It is the price for leadership. The important thing to us is the safety and well-being of our people.

He added, “There will be no Miyetti vigilante, no cattle ranch or colony in South-East. But we must live peacefully with herdsmen that do not destroy our farmland, especially those that were born here and have lived peacefully with us.

Emmanuel however assures that all South East Governors are in agreement with their decision.

The regional Governors will be the second set of Governors in the country that will come out to strategize a plan in tackling the insecurity challenge in the country.