Member representing Bende Federal Constituency, Hon. Benjamin Kalu has met with the top hierarchy of Abia state Police Command as well as the Department of State Service over alleged invasion of the constituency by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
Drum Africa gathered that there were mild disturbances between the locals of a community in the constituency and the herders, a situation that left one person injured and about 15 livestock.
Hon. Kalu who is the Spokesperson of the House of Representatives said the aim of the visit was to forestall further disagreement between host communities and the herders and to create room for relevant stakeholders’ engagement.
The representative announced that a meeting has been scheduled to take place at 12pm on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021 where modalities for peaceful and harmonious co-existence will be developed.
The federal lawmaker also personally visited the injured herder identified as Abdullahi at the medical facility where he is currently receiving treatment. He assured the family that he will continue to ensure that the lives and property of every Nigerian living or conducting businesses in Bende is protected, even as he promised to settle the hospital bill of the injured herder.
While expressing regret over the development, Hon. Kalu thanked the youths for observing restraint to ensure a peaceful atmosphere in the federal constituency, calling on them not to involve in any violence.
Drum Africa also learnt that Hon. Kalu engaged the leadership of Hausa/Fulani community in a bid to foster peaceful co-existence with the people of Bende and forestall further skirmishes.
Recall that Hon. Kalu was at the forefront in ensuring that Aba and all parts of Abia witnessed calm during the #EndSARS protest.
The Tuesday stakeholders meeting is expected to take place at Orji Kalu Hall, Bende LGA council headquarters at 12:00 noon. It is expected to have in attendance, the traditional rulers in the affected communitie in Ozuitem and Bende, their Presidents-General and youth leaders as well as the Divisional Police officers, the two House of Assembly members from the local government and the LG chairman.
Others are the House of Representatives Member for Bende federal constituency who will be attending and equally representing the Senator representing Abia North.
