Anambra Villagers warn indigenes not to follow herders into forest to buy cattle

Abiodun OBA

Villagers in the rural parts of Anambra state have commenced a campaign, warning indigenes to desist from following herders into the forest to buy cattle in the belief that it is cheaper.

They warned that it was now dangerous to do so, as according to them, conventional herders had joined bandits in deceiving unsuspecting people into the forest, where they would be kidnapped, robbed and killed.

Only recently, a man identified simply as Energy, a native of Umunya, Oyi Local Government Area of the State was allegedly murdered by some suspected killer-herders.

The deceased and some yet to be identified people, were were said to have been lured into Aguleri forest by three acclaimed herders on the pretence that they were going to sell cow to them.

It was however, gathered that the victim was in need of a cow, and had been connected to a herder, who directed him to come to their camp to purchase the cow.

In a video that is circulating online, it was observed that the deceased had contacted a truck driver to take him to the herders’ camp, which was said to be in Aguleri forest.

The truck driver, who spoke in the video, said, “We were on our way to see the cows, but we noticed we were going into the bush, and I may not have anywhere to reverse my vehicle.

“I told the herder but he insisted we keep going. We had just driven ahead a little when about 10 people came out of the bush with guns and attacked us.

“They grabbed me and my brother, and Energy ran away. They chased him while some were taking us into the bush.

“Later, my brother broke away and started running, so when they chased him, I found out that I was alone, so I ran to my vehicle and escaped. We later came back and found out that Energy had been killed.”

Confirming the incident, the police in Anambra State said three herders in connection with the killing of the man known as Energy had been arrested.

The state police command also confirmed that the incident happened in Aguleri.

The state police spokesperson, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga, said investigation had commenced, and further information would be communicated to journalists.