Gunmen kidnap 10 herders in Anambra, demand N4m, AK-47 gun as ransom

Suspected gunmen have allegedly kidnapped 10 persons, suspected to be herders in Anambra State, with a demand for N4 million and an AK-47 riffle as ransom.

It was gathered that the incident happened at Obene community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State hours of Saturday.

South East Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Gidado Siddiki, who alerted journalists about the incident, said those kidnapped were his members.

Siddiki said the incident took place at Fulani settlement at exactly 1.30am on Saturday, while the herders and their cattle were asleep.

“The cattle herders were attacked at their settlement while asleep, and their herds numbering about 300 forcefully taken away by the gunmen numbering about 40.

“The men invaded the area with sophisticated weapons, including guns cutlasses, sticks and charms.

“The kidnappers have established contact with their victims families, demanding N4million and one gun as ransom.

“As I speak to you now, I have reported the incident to the Police and DSS for prompt action,” he said.

He appealed to the kidnappers to release his members and their cows, stressing that those kidnapped were mere herders, who were struggling to eke out a living.

Meanwhile, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, confirmed the incident

He urged the leadership of Miyetti Allah in the state to come up with more information that would enable the Police to commence aggressive investigation into the matter.

He said: “Yes, we are aware of the incident, but we want the Miyetti Allah leadership to supply us with more information, since the Kidnappers have established ransom contact with the victims families.”

He assured them that the state commissioner of police, CP Echeng Echeng and other security agencies in the state would do everything possible to rescue the victims from their abductors.