Fulani group in Taraba dissociates self from Miyetti Allah’s activities

A Fulani group, Tabbital Pulaaku International (TPI) in Taraba on Sunday dissociated itself from the activities of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association in the state.

Chairman of the group, Bello Baminjani while briefing journalists in Jalingo when he led members of his group on a courtesy call to governor Darius Ishaku at government house accused Miyetti Allah Association of not working for the well-being of its members, but working to advance their selfish interest.

Bello alleged that Miyetti Allah in Taraba were conniving with other Fulanis from other states to cause disaffection among communities in Taraba, saying Tabbital Pulaaku International which is known for peace cannot identify with such dubious activities of Miyetti Allah in Taraba.

He said the Tabbital Pulaaku International in the state has formed vigilante group to complement the efforts of the police in maintaining surveillance in the state, adding that they have intimated divisional police officers in the state of the efforts to complement their efforts in maintaining security in the state.

The group during the visit pledged their loyalty to the administration of Governor Darius Ishaku which is poised to bring peaceful coexistence and development in the state.

But reacting to the allegations, state chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Alhaji Mafindi Danburam described Tabbital Pulaaku in Taraba as a refugee of an association seeking political relevance.

According to him the Tabbital Pulaaku International is a socio- cultural Organisation set up by Lamdo Adamawa to teach the younger ones the cultural set up of the Fulani in West Africa and has no right to challenge Miyetti Allah which is a well recognised Association of Fulani Cattle breeders in West Africa with patrons and members of the board of trustee.

He accused the leaders of Tabbital Pulaaku in Taraba of seeking government recognition and advised the government to be careful in dealing win the organisation that has no roots, but are out to look for government support.

The allegations that Miyetti Allah in Taraba were conniving with other Fulanis from other states to cause disaffection among communities in Taraba is coming on the hills of recent massive influx people into Taraba which has heightened criminal activities, including killings, maiming and kidnapping of people in the state.

There have been series of high profile kidnapping in Taraba recently, including the kidnap of the mother of the state deputy governor, Hajiyya Beli Manu who was kidnapped in her family residence in Mutum-Biyu but was later released at Mayo-Kam in Bali local government area of the state.