Dare Babalola
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has called on the Kebbi State government to arrest the perpetrators behind the killing of herdsmen in the state.
This was contained in a statement signed by the association’s national secretary, Bello Aliyu-Gotomo, on Thursday.
Aliyu-Gotomo noted that allowing impunity to continue and for people to take the law into their own hands would only complicate the security situation in the state.
“The national headquarters of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria condemns the unwarranted attacks and killing of some innocent pastoralists in some parts of Kebbi recently.
“The alleged dastardly act simply shows a well-organised campaign to displace pastoralists from their abodes in some parts of Kebbi.
“MACBAN commends the Kebbi government for the prompt visit to the affected areas and called on the state authority to arrest and prosecute all those involved,” Aliyu-Gotomo said.
The secretary lamented that attacks on pastoralists would hinder livestock and crop production, saying harassment by bandits and non-state actors poses a significant threat to agriculture.
Aliyu-Gotomo said that the association is concerned that allowing “lawlessness to rein in the rural areas will have unpleasant consequences on agriculture and livestock production in the country”.
Furthermore, the Miyetti Allah leader also praised Niger State Governor Umar Bago for swiftly acting to halt violence in the state.
He restated the need for greater synergy between the federal and state governments to curb insecurity across all the nooks and crannies of the country, especially in rural communities.
