By Aiyeku Timothy
South west governors and the leadership of Miyetti-Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) have agreed to end crime and insecurity in the region.
The two parties met at the International Culture and Event Centre (DOME), Akure, Ondo State on Monday to discuss emerging security challenges in the south-west geo-political zone.
Some of the members of the NGF that attended the meeting included Akeredolu of Ondo State; Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola; Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi; Mohammed Badaru (Jigawa State); Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State.
The meeting became necessary following the tension created by the ultimatum given to the Fulani Herdsmen illegally occupying the State Forest Reserves to vacate within seven days with effect from Monday as it sparked some reactions across the country.
According to the communiqué issued and read by Chairman of the Nigerian Governor Forum, Kayode Fayemi at the end of the meeting, the four-point directive of Akeredolu was adopted by all the stakeholders.
The communiqué read, “The security and welfare of the people of Nigeria are the primary purposes of government as enshrined in the 1999 constitution of Nigeria as amended.
“The stakeholders are committed to the unity and indivisibility of Nigeria. Insecurity is a national challenge and not peculiar to any tribe or region but must be addressed by the cooperation of all.
“The order of the Ondo State Governor was misconstrued and misrepresented by a section of the media. He only ordered those occupying the forest reserves in Ondo State illegally to quit.
“The criminals should be apprehended and punished, no matter their origin, class or status. Security agencies have been trying to stem the tide of criminality in the country, but must step up their efforts in the fight. There is the need to build partnership for peace and security with MACBAN and jointly wage war against criminality.
“No one had sent anyone away from any state or region but all hands must be on deck to fight criminality. The MACBAN is a peace-loving, law-abiding organisation, which does not harbour or condone criminals and agreed that: Night grazing should be banned henceforth. Underage herding is inimical to security and hence be banned. Occupation of state forest reserves illegally is condemned.
“The MACBAN also suffers insecurity and kidnapping and thus desire peaceful coexistence. MACBAN is ready for any peaceful move by the states to engender security. Fake news is another issue that makes our security worse than solving it. There must be an enduring framework with MACBAN in a way that will help address security issues.”
The communiqué also called on each state of the federation to set up a “Standing committee comprising farmers, MACBAN and the government” (where they don’t exist) to ensure synergy and result that will create economic opportunities for our people and reduce opportunities for criminalities in our country. “
Meanwhile, Akeredolu has dismissed the speculations that he asked Fulani herdsmen to leave the state.
“It is not that I asked anybody to leave Ondo State and what we all agreed was that we should have a register so as to be able to identify strangers in the forest. These crimes must be nipped in the bud. We must protect everybody in Ondo State. We won’t play to the gallery.”
