The Anambra State Police Command, has reacted to the media reports that gunmen attacked herders in the state, kidnapping 10 while rustling 300 cows.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu who spoke to our correspondent said that he got to know about the incident following a “security alert” message sent to him by Gidado Siddiki, the Sarkin Fulani.
However, according to a copy of the message seen by JOURNALIST101, Gidado Siddiki, the leader of Fulanis in the area showed that only one person was kidnapped while their was no mention of cows. This is contrary to the reports circulating in the media that 10 persons were kidnapped while 300 Cows were taken by the attackers.
The message by Sarkin Fulani reads:
“Security alert: I humbly wish to notify you that Today at around 1:00am I was called from Ogbene community in Ogbaru LGA by one Dare Abdullahi a cattle herder, who Informed me that some group of people equipped with sophisticated weapons including guns and machetes raid the place where they camp their cattle, shooting sporadically (sic).
“As they spot the attackers, they all run away to safe their lives. but unfortunately one Laggudi Magaji was abducted by the attackers to unknown area (sic).
“That the attackers are calling the Dare Abdullahi to bring #40000000 at a gun as a condition to release his brother who is under their captives (sic)”
“We implore for intervention (sic)”
Ikenga told our correspondent that immediately he got the sms from Mr. Gidado, he called him and urged him to report the incident to the nearest police station to enable them commence investigation and assured him that nothing will be spared to ensure the release of the kidnapped person.
“I put a call to the Sarkin following the message he sent to me and I urged him to go to the Police station close to him and make a report. This will enable us do a preliminary investigation since he claimed that the alleged abductors has made contact to the families. This will enable police plan properly in the investigation and rescue of the victim.
“I can assure you that the Commissioner of Police CP Echeng shall leave no stone unturned till the alleged abductors are rescued and return to their families unharmed.”
