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Analysis: Are there differences between Herdsmen and IPOB?

The recent attacks carried out by suspected herdsmen has left many to inquire why the Federal Government is yet to proscribe them or declare them wanted, just like it did the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

IPOB itself condemned the attacks and raised questions on why the Government is yet to find a lasting solution to the menace.

“The killing of the innocent has become the norm under this present All Progressives Congress government led by Major General Muhammadu Buhari.

“We are still wondering why the Nigerian Government could not send soldiers to the aid of its citizens in Benue, Taraba, Kaduna and other states where Fulani herdsmen are rampaging and massacring innocent citizens with impunity.”

IPOB also blamed the foreign Media for turning a blind eye to the killing, of innocent people.

“More shocking is the fact that world Media like CNN, FOX, BBC, Al Jazeera, NBC, ABC etc have remained conspiratorially silent on these horror shows played out in predominantly Christian towns and villages; probably because those being killed are not Muslims.”

On the other hand, President Muhammadu Buhari ordered the relocation of the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to Benue State, to tackle the criminal activities that have claimed about 80 lives since the beginning of 2018.

The Nigerian Army has also deployed Special Forces to the State, including Taraba and Nassarawa, “to secure vulnerable communities and prevent further attacks.”

In September 2017, the Federal Government revealed that the ‘suspected’ herdsmen are criminals and not terrorist like IPOB.

According to the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, “There is a difference between a criminal activity and a terrorist activity. Yes, some Fulani herdsmen are a criminal gang(sic) and they are being dealt with according to the law.”

These attackers are yet to be identified and are yet to declare reasons for carrying out those attacks.

Terrorism, as defined by law, is when attacks are in pursuit of political, religious and or ideological aims.

Many, including the Media, have labeled the members of Miyyeti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), as being responsible for the various attacks, with no facts to prove the claims.

MACBAN has consistently disapproved the attacks, even promising to cooperate with security forces in investigations to ensure the perpetrators are brought to book.

In October 2017, Chairman of the Association, Nassarawa Chapter, Alhaji Mohammed Hussaini, warned members from openly grazing on farmlands, adding that trespassers would be sanctioned.

He made this known during the inauguration of newly elected members of the Association in the State.

This further shows that MACBAN is a recognized body that is engaged in what is known as ‘cattle breeding’, but the recent crisis has put them on the blacklist of the public.

IPOB, on its part, is clamouring for secession from Nigeria, based on the argument that the Igbos are being marginalised.

The Group threatened that there would be no Governorship elections in Anambra if Nigeria does not grant its request for secession.

In August, the group inaugurated what it called ‘Biafra Security Service (BSS)’, which its Spokesman, Emma Powerful, said was to “gather intelligence and to safeguard those returning home to Biafraland from the North.”

Whereas, the Nigerian constitution recognizes only the Nigerian Police, Nigeria Army and the Department of State Service, thus making BSS illegal.

In November 2017, the group also threatened to attack and cause havoc, should President Muhammadu Buhari visit the South-East as planned. Its leader had previously threatened to kill security agents if they are sent to arrest him.

Although, there was no report of attack or destruction of properties by the group, its continual protests and open calls for violence, were part of the reason for it proscription.

In September, the group was reported to have clashed with the Nigerian Army, further straining the relationship with the Government.

The activities and ideologies of IPOB and what the Media claims to be ‘herdsmen attack’ seem different.

While the former is clearly fighting for secession, which the Government believes is a threat to the unity of the Country, the ideology, as well as the official group, of the latter is unknown.

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