IGBO youths on the banner of the Igbo Youths
Movement, IYM, have urged the President Buhari-
led Federal Government to probe the recent
arrest of 76 farmers in Ugwuleshi community in
Awgu Local Council of Enugu State over plans to
protest the menace of Fulani herdsmen in the
community.
The 76 Enugu farmers, after their release from
detention.
Noting that the men should have been arrested
by the police, the IYM in a statement by its
Founder, Evangelist Elliot Uko, wondered why the
76 farmers had to be arrested by soldiers from a
military base in Abia State.
Worried that the development if not properly
addressed would set a very bad precedent in
Nigeria, IYM said: ‘’The army should not be easily
drawn into policing, especially when emotions are
high over the notorious impunity of the Fulani
herdsmen. The decision to use soldiers instead of
the police, was a wrong choice. Did the governors
of both Abia and Enugu, specifically ask for
soldiers t o cart away the farmers? Who gave the
order authorizing the military to wade in? Why did
the military deny that they were involved at the
onset? Nobody believes the funny narrative of
fake soldiers in military uniform and military
trucks; we think someone is trying to cover up
the obvious use of the Army to settle ethnic
scores.
‘’We demand a thorough investigation to the use
of the Army to round up and cart away all the
able bodied young men in Ugwuleshi village, over
incessant attacks from Fulani herdsmen. Only a
thorough probe of the incident and punishment
meted out to whoever ordered soldiers to invade
the community, would assuage the feeling of
unjust intimidation and persecution, pervading
Ugwuleshi and environs at the moment."