The Sultan of Sokoto and grand patron, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar 111 has warned herdsmen against allowing their livestock to destroy farm crops, but pointed out that such should not be a reason for violence.
The President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, gave this advice yesterday when the MACBAN National President and Ardon Zuru, Muhammadu Kiruwa paid him a courtesy call.
He stated that rather than resorting to violence because herders invaded a particular farm, the farmers with the owners of such cattle should find a way of reaching amicable resolution either by getting paid the value of the destroyed crops or otherwise.
Abubakar urged Nigerians to note that, it is not every herdsman that is Fulani, just as not all Fulanis herd cattle, adding that Nigerians should understand that the Fulani man is a lover of peace and peaceful coexistence anytime, anywhere.
He, however, pointed out that there are bad eggs in every society, hence the need to stop lumping any set of people as troublesome.
The Sultan commended the effort of the Federal Government in setting up a committee to help sensitise the Fulanis and farmers on certain issues that concern them, particularly in the aspect of grazing reserve and cattle ranch.
According to him, “We appreciate the fact that a committee of this nature is being formed to help in taking broader measures to ensure that both Fulanis and Farmers are sensitized on certain issues.
“These incessant clashes doesn’t only affect just the herders and farmers but the entire country. And we will never relent in sensitizing the people.
“The issue is gradually taking another dimension. Hence it is looking as if Fulanis don’t want to live in peace with people while the opposite is the case.
“Fulanis has never been known for violence rather peaceful coexistence with host communities.
“But one basic thing Nigerians should note is that there are herders who are not Fulanis just as there are Fulanis who are not herders.”
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