Security forces in Abia State have arrested three suspected Fulani cattle rustlers who allegedly tried to steal livestock from fellow herders in Ohiya Community, Umuahia South Local Government Area.
The suspects were apprehended on Monday by operatives of Operation Crush, a special task force set up by the state government to tackle rising criminal activities. The arrests followed a tip-off, and officials say the swift response helped prevent what could have become a serious clash between Fulani herders and local residents.
At a press briefing in Umuahia, Commander Macdonald Uba (retired Navy officer) and Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Security Matters, praised the security team’s timely intervention.
“We all know what could have happened if those cattle had gone missing. It could have triggered a major crisis,” Uba said.
He revealed that the suspects had planned to frame the host community for the theft by stealing from fellow Fulani herdsmen and blaming the local residents.
“Their intention was to steal cattle and make it look like the Ohiya community was responsible,” Uba said. “We will not allow criminals to destabilise Abia State.”
According to Uba, the state has received intelligence on other individuals involved in the plan, including buyers who were allegedly waiting to purchase the stolen cattle. He said investigations are ongoing and more arrests are expected.
Also speaking at the briefing, the traditional ruler of the Hausa community in Abia, HRH Eze Yaro Danladi, condemned the attempted theft, warning that such acts could lead to dangerous intercommunal tensions.
“If those cattle had gone missing, it could have sparked serious unrest. We thank the government for preventing that,” he said.
One of the suspects, during questioning, admitted they had only intended to steal one cow, but the owners claimed five were missing.
The suspects are currently in custody and will be charged in court after the investigation is completed.