Governor Uzodinma Speaks On Alleged Miyetti Allah Vigilante Operation In Imo

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma has denied reports that Miyetti Allah vigilante has arrived in the state to help security agencies fight crime.

Some reports had alleged that the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) said its members have teamed up with security agents to tackle unidentified gunmen and suspected criminals in Imo State.

The report also said a chieftain of the group, Sarki Makao, revealed this, saying the partnership with security agents was approved by the state government.

However, in a statement on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information, Declan Mbadiwe Emelumba said that the state government did not at any time give any approval to the vigilante to operate in Imo as claimed by the story.

Emelumba blamed the desperate opposition who, according to him, were behind the story with the aim to cause ethnic tension in the state.

He said: “This is to alert Imo people that there is no truth in the story being circulated by the opposition which has become more desperate. The Government is not aware of any Miyetti Allah vigilante.”

He said the name quoted by the fake story did not exist while the byline of the supposed author was also faked.

While urging Imo people to disregard the story, the commissioner said the Government will not hesitate to intimate them of any security arrangements it is making but certainly not outside established security agencies.

He warned purveyors of the fake news to be mindful of the consequences of their ill-advised action and desist forthwith.

KanyiDaily had reported how a police inspector was killed during an attack by gunmen at Mgbidi divisional police station in Orsu West Local Government Area of Imo State.