Basso made the
comment on Wednesday, July 13, 2016, while testifying at the commission of
inquiry into the Nimbo killings in the Uzo Uwani local government area of the
state.
The leader of
the Fulani community in Enugu state, Ardo Basso has said that it is compulsory
for herdsmen to carry machetes and daggers.
Basso made the
comment on Wednesday, July 13, 2016, while testifying at the commission of
inquiry into the Nimbo killings in the Uzo Uwani local government area of the
state, The Cable reports.
“I don’t like
the way our people carry guns but it is a police matter and any herdsman held
carrying gun without licence should be arrested. But there is no how you will
tell a herdsman not to carry dagger and machete,” he said.
“We use the
machete to clear the road and rescue our cattle while the dagger is to promptly
slaughter any cattle in distress if not it will be a terrible loss to us.
“Before we
enter any community we usually meet with traditional rulers and town union
presidents of such communities and even with the police. But our brothers who
come from other parts of the country to graze between the months of December
through March just enter without telling anybody and these are the people
causing trouble.
“I have lived
in Enugu State for 34 years while some have been here for upwards of 40 years.
Those of our people that live here don’t foment trouble in our locality. The
major problems we have are the Fulani herdsmen and others that come into the
state from Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina and Niger states,” he added.
Meanwhile,
former Senate President, David Mark has condemned the recent killing of
villagers in Benue State by Fulani herdsmen.
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