The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has revealed that worsening insecurity has forced more than 15,000 herders and their families to relocate from Nigeria to neighbouring countries.
Speaking in Ilorin during the inauguration of the new Kwara State MACBAN Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Garba, the association’s national president, Alhaji Baba Usman Ngelzarma, lamented that Fulani pastoralists remain the worst victims of banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and terrorism across the country.
“We have lost over 40,000 cattle to rustling, and many of our people have been killed.
“These challenges have crippled our only means of livelihood,” Ngelzarma said.
He condemned what he described as the ethnic profiling of Fulani people as criminals, urging Nigerians to avoid relying solely on social media narratives.
According to him, lasting solutions to insecurity must be community-driven and involve collaboration between host communities, indigenous Fulani, and relevant stakeholders.
“Our leadership is working with different groups to promote peaceful coexistence.
“We commend the federal and state governments for creating the Ministry of Livestock Development, as the era of wandering with cattle is no longer sustainable.
“We are considering permanent settlements for herders because everyone deserves a better life,” he added.
Ngelzarma also applauded Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for prioritising security, noting that the Fulani community needs stronger government support to sustain livestock farming.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Kwara State Governor on Security, Muyideen Aliyu, pledged collaboration with the Fulani community to protect lives and property.
He urged their leaders to report suspicious activities promptly to law enforcement agencies.
The Hardon Hardodi (Fulani head) in Kwara State, Alhaji Mahmud Ojonla, represented by Alhaji Ali Muhammed Jowuro, called on those in authority to uphold fairness and justice.
He also charged MACBAN members to play active roles in ensuring security in their communities.
Special Assistant to the Governor on Fulani Affairs, Hajiya Aishatu Yusuf, appealed to Fulani leaders to foster peace with other ethnic groups and to lead with the fear of God.
In his acceptance speech, the new Kwara State MACBAN Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Garba, promised to work closely with farmers, security agencies, and other stakeholders to maintain harmony.
“We need the support of our herders to make every part of this state safe,” he said.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
