-
Insecurity drives over 15,000 Fulani herders and families out of Nigeria, with 40,000 cattle lost to rustling and violence
-
MACBAN urges end to ethnic profiling, promotes collaboration among host communities, authorities, and herders for lasting peace
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has revealed that insecurity has forced over 15,000 herders and their families to relocate outside the country.
Speaking in Ilorin during the inauguration of the newly elected Kwara State MACBAN chairman, Alhaji Shehu Garba, the national president, Alhaji Baba Ngelzarma, said Fulani pastoralists remain the worst affected by banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and terrorism.
According to him, more than 40,000 cattle have been lost to rustling, while several Fulani communities have recorded deaths and displacement. He described the situation as dire and called for community-driven solutions involving all stakeholders.
Ngelzarma condemned the ethnic profiling of Fulani as criminals, stressing that such narratives, often fueled by social media, were misleading. Instead, he urged collaboration between host communities, indigenous Fulani, and authorities to address security challenges.
He commended the federal and state governments for establishing the Ministry of Livestock Development, which he said could provide lasting solutions. He disclosed that the association was exploring the idea of creating permanent herders’ settlements, noting that nomadic cattle rearing was no longer sustainable due to rising population pressures.
“Livestock is our only economic livelihood. Our people need adequate support to survive,” Ngelzarma stated.
Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq was praised for prioritising security. His Special Adviser on Security, Muyideen Aliyu, assured continued collaboration with Fulani leaders to safeguard communities.
In his remarks, the Fulani head in Kwara, Alhaji Mahmud Ojonla (represented by Alhaji Ali Muhammed Jowuro), urged the importance of fairness, justice, and vigilance within communities. The Special Assistant to the Governor on Fulani Affairs, Hajiya Aishatu Yusuf, also appealed to leaders to promote peace and harmony among ethnic groups.
In his acceptance speech, Kwara MACBAN chairman, Alhaji Shehu Garba, pledged to work with stakeholders to foster peaceful coexistence between herders and farmers. He called on members to support the new leadership in ensuring security across the state.