The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) said Fulanis are at the receiving end of banditry in Nigeria.
National President of the MACBAN Alh. Baba Othman Ngelzarma who spoke at the National Security Conference, 2024 organized by the New National Newspaper and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Abuja, Thursday, 23rd February, 2024, said the Fulani communities are facing untold hardship due to the activities of criminals in the country.
He said the association is only representing peace loving pastoralists who engaged in legitimate businesses in the country.
The president disclosed that Fulanis owned 95 percent of the cattles in the country, hence the cattle rustling affects Fulani more than any other tribe in Nigeria.
He also stated that the association only represents good Fulani citizens who are peace loving as they have Sultan of Sokoto as chairman of the Board of trustees alongside other Emirs in the country who are advocating for peace and tranquility to prevail in the country.
“Many Fulani are now poor because they sold their cows to pay Ransom as they are being kidnapped more than any other tribe because they live in the forest and Media doesn’t report it.
“Fulani are at the receiving end of Banditry in Nigeria”. The president stated.
On his part, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission and former IGP Mr Solomon Arase said the country is facing multiple challenges more especially on security issues, noting that the security personnel are grossly inadequate to fight the criminals.
Arase who was represented by Dr Shamsu Yahaya the Nigeria Police Force established to maintain law and order was bedeviled with issues of corruption, inadequate training and lack of Public trust which resulted the formation of Department of State security (DSS), Nigeria security and civil defence Corps (NSCDC and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) to complement the efforts of the police in the internal Security but the issue is still present.
In his remarks, the National President of the NUJ, Chief Chris Isiguzo said, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, in collaboration with the New National Star Newspaper, has taken the bold step of organizing this National Security Conference to address the myriad challenges that threaten the safety and well-being of our nation.
“Indeed, we are faced with a daunting array of security threats, ranging from armed banditry and insurgency to kidnapping, ritual killings, secessionist agitation, and the perennial farmer/herders challenge. These issues not only undermine the fabric of our society but also pose a grave threat to our collective peace, stability, and prosperity. The time for action is now, and the responsibility falls upon all of us to rise to the occasion.
“As members of the media, we recognize our role as agenda setters and watchdogs of society. We have a duty to shine a spotlight on the root causes of insecurity, to hold the powers that be accountable, and to advocate for meaningful change. This conference serves as a testament to our commitment to fulfilling this duty and finding lasting solutions to the security challenges that confront us.
“However, let us be clear: the burden of addressing these challenges does not rest solely on the shoulders of the government or the media. It is incumbent upon each and every one of us, as citizens of this great nation, to play our part in fostering a saner climate for all. We must come together, across all divides, to confront the forces of division and discord that seek to tear us apart.
“We must reject the politics of fear and division, and instead embrace the values of unity, tolerance, and inclusivity. We must stand in solidarity with one another, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation, and work together towards a common vision of peace and prosperity for all. Only then can we hope to overcome the challenges that threaten our collective security.
“Furthermore, we must recognize that security is not just about the absence of violence; it is also about the presence of justice, opportunity, and hope. We must address the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, inequality, and social exclusion, and strive to create a society where all citizens can fulfill their potential and contribute meaningfully to the progress of our nation.
“In closing, let us seize this moment as an opportunity to chart a new course for our country—a course defined by courage, compassion, and collective action. Let us harness the power of the media to amplify the voices of the voiceless, to expose the truth, and to inspire positive change. And let us all commit ourselves to building a safer, more secure future for generations to come”. He concluded
