NO fewer than 10,000 pastoralists have been killed and over two million displaced across the country in the last seven years, according to the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).
This was disclosed during a security summit the group organised in collaboration with the Northern Consensus Movement (NCM) following the current security challenges facing pastoralists and Fulani with its attendant negative consequences.
The summit, which was held in Abuja, was titled, “Exploring the contemporary challenges facing pastoralism and Fulbe, with a view to proffering workable solutions in curbing insecurity across the nation.”
In a communique issued yesterday, the MACBAN noted that from 2015 till date, many pastoralists were also displaced and impoverished and over four million livestock either rustled or arbitrarily killed.
The group added that looking at the current security challenges in the country, ranging from banditry to kidnapping and cattle rustling, Fulani pastoralists were the worst victims.
“Stereotyping and stigmatisation of herders, and the incendiary role of social and the mainstream media, leading to profiling, are a prelude to genocide.
“The barbaric activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/the Eastern Security Network (ESN) and the ’Yan-Sa-Kai’ have worsened the security situation and threatening the corporate existence of the country.
“There are over four million out-of-school pastoral children roaming about, knowing full well that education is a fundamental human right and the bedrock of social change. Therefore, the government, as well as individuals and non-governmental organisations, should support and prioritise the education of pastoralists and rural communities,’’ the communiqué stated.
The group also called for the overhaul of Nigeria’s criminal justice system to prosecute and punish criminals found guilty of crimes.
