‘We have to carry daggers and machetes,’ Leader says

Basso made the comment on Wednesday, July 13, 2016, while testifying at the commission of inquiry into the Nimbo killings in the Uzo Uwani local government area of the state.

 

The leader of the Fulani community in Enugu state, Ardo Basso has said that it is compulsory for herdsmen to carry machetes and daggers.

Basso made the comment on Wednesday, July 13, 2016, while testifying at the commission of inquiry into the Nimbo killings in the Uzo Uwani local government area of the state, The Cable reports.

“I don’t like the way our people carry guns but it is a police matter and any herdsman held carrying gun without licence should be arrested. But there is no how you will tell a herdsman not to carry dagger and machete,” he said.

“We use the machete to clear the road and rescue our cattle while the dagger is to promptly slaughter any cattle in distress if not it will be a terrible loss to us.

“Before we enter any community we usually meet with traditional rulers and town union presidents of such communities and even with the police. But our brothers who come from other parts of the country to graze between the months of December through March just enter without telling anybody and these are the people causing trouble.

“I have lived in Enugu State for 34 years while some have been here for upwards of 40 years. Those of our people that live here don’t foment trouble in our locality. The major problems we have are the Fulani herdsmen and others that come into the state from Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina and Niger states,” he added.

Meanwhile, former Senate President, David Mark has condemned the recent killing of villagers in Benue State by Fulani herdsmen.