The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) says it has evolved strategies to curb the incessant security challenges confronting pastoralists.
In a communiqué issued in Abuja on Sunday signed by its president, Alhaji Hussein Bosso, and secretary, Baba Ngelzarma, MACBAN said the strategies were the outcome of a meeting held by its National Executive Council (NEC).
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It stated that the meeting NEC on security challenges facing pastoralists across the country and issues related to the upcoming MACBAN elections.
It assured that MACBAN would give maximum support to government and security agencies to deal with outlaws, bandits and other criminals making the lives of pastoralists unbearable in rural areas.
The statement further reads: “State chapters were also directed to address factors affecting the well-being of pastoralists and invoke the culture of ‘Pulaku’ against any family that harbours or aids criminality.
“The association expresses appreciation for the support it has received, as well as the concern of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, on the plight of pastoralists.
“MACBAN assures the sultan that the association will do whatever it takes to restore dignity, culture of Fulani people and address issues affecting pastoralists with all the seriousness it deserves.’’
MACBAN appealed to the sultan to organise a national conference involving pastoralists’ leaders, the intelligentsia and other stakeholders with a “view to addressing issues of insecurity, economic empowerment and the negative profiling of pastoralists in the social and mainstream media.
“The NEC expressed serious concerns about the continuous displacement of thousands of pastoralists’ families as a result of rustling, banditry, kidnapping and the activities of outlawed groups. They attack, maim or kill pastoralists without any just cause. If this continues it might soon bankrupt the livestock industry as a whole.’’ (NAN)
