Don’t drag us into Mailafia’s travail - Miyetti Allah tells SOKAPU

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has disassociated itself from the travail of Dr. Obadiah Mailafia, saying he should be allowed to bear his own cross.

Reacting to a statement made by the Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU) on the series of invitation by the DSS for Dr. Obadiah Mailafia, Miyetti Allah asked SOKAPU to count Miyetti Allah and the Fulani community out of Mailafia’s issue.

A statement signed by MACBAN National Secretary, Usman Baba Ngelzerma said, “We read with dismay a statement made by the Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU) on the invitation by the DSS to Dr. Obadiah Mailafiya carried by an online publication, on the 14th of September, 2020, in which SOKAPU tried to draw the Miyetti Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) into the controversy surrounding the invitation.

“Among groups and individuals that SOKAPU is accusing in making reckless statements, MACBAN was mentioned as having claimed responsibility for some ‘deadly attacks’ on communities across the country.

“We want to make it abundantly clear that MACBAN is a responsible association led by responsible personalities that have never and will never claim responsibility for irresponsible acts or any form of criminality.

“In the last eight years, the leadership of the association has traveled the length and breadth of this country to broker peace. SOKAPU can testify to the several engagements we had with them on how to maintain peace and security in Kaduna State.

“Dr. Mailafiya made the statements he made knowing fully well the implications it will have on peace and security in this country as someone who has held a responsible position in government.

“It is therefore illogical for SOKAPU to drag itself into this controversy, talk less of dragging other groups and individuals unless if Mailafiya was making such statements on behalf of SOKAPU. Mailafia should be allowed to bear his own cross.