The Association of Fulani Chiefs and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria have said that Chief Olu Falae, a former SGF and presidential candidate, was not kidnapped by Fulani herdsmen. This denial came after the pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere called for the ban of Fulani herdsmen in the South-West.
The association chairman, Ondo State chapter, Bello Garba, said this at a press conference in Lagos. He opined that no Fulani herdsman would abandon his cattle to take to kidnapping.
“Most of the Fulani people that came into Ondo came in as cattle breeders and you don’t expect them to just leave their animals and be kidnapping. We have been residing in Ondo State for more than 100 years and no one has ever accused us of any heinous crime in Ondo State or caught us with weapons” he said.
Against Garba’s claims however, Falae had said upon his safe return (or rescue – not sure what to call it) that his abductors were Fulani herdsmen and they had made him trek with them several kilometres from Akure to Owo.
Against police claims that no ransom was paid for his release, Falae also disclosed that his family indeed paid a ransom to secure his release. Now we ask: Who is fooling who? The police, Fulani chiefs and herdsmen or Falae?
