Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), has condemned the recent attacks and killings in Benue State that led to the loss of more than 200 lives.
Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, National President of MACBAN, stated this on Thursday in Lafia, Nasarawa State, at a stakeholders meeting of members of the association from Nasarawa and Benue States.
The association’s President also called on the Fulani people to embrace peace and settle all ongoing disputes with farmers in both states to support President Bola Tinubu’s efforts toward restoring normalcy in the area.
He emphasised that the meeting was convened to appeal to their people to know that two wrongs cannot make a right, therefore, they should not take the laws into their own hands.
He noted that the prolonged conflicts between farmers and herders are one of the most heartbreaking realities facing the Northern part of Nigeria.
He explained that many lives were lost, property and cows destroyed, and many people from both sides lost their means of livelihood. Due to the prolonged crisis.
The MACBAN President recognised the importance of peaceful coexistence for the survival and progress of its members and urged that their people must be at the forefront of peace advocacy.
Othman-Ngelzarma further commended the efforts of the Federal, States, Local Governments, and Civil Society Organisations for their untiring efforts in resolving tensions in both states in recent times.
He said, “We must disown, isolate, and deal with elements within our ranks that promote confrontation and criminality.
“Let me make it clear: violence is not a solution. Retaliation is not justice. We must now embrace dialogue, empathy, and mutual understanding.
“Our pastoral way of life can only continue to thrive if we live in peace with our neighbors as such, we must actively engage in peace-building initiatives,” he added.
The MACBAN President called on traditional rulers of Fulani extraction, who are the custodians of our values and cultures, to rise and play a more assertive role in facilitating dialogue and reconciliation.
“We must also empower our youths with knowledge, skills, and opportunities for constructive livelihoods and use them as peace ambassadors instead of using them as agents of destruction.
Othman-Ngelzarma appreciated the president for his compassionate decision to visit the people of Benue State and his determination to end the ongoing attacks.
He said that henceforth peace-building would be the priority of their members and urged their people to report any case of attack or provocation to the leadership for prompt action.
“The President’s presence among the victims of these unfortunate crises has rekindled hope because the country belongs to all of us, farmers, herders, settlers, and indigenes.
“To our brothers and sisters in the farming communities, we need you, and you need us because agriculture and livestock are two sides of the same coin.
“One cannot thrive without the other. Let us talk. Let us forgive. Let us plan together,” the MACBAN President added.
He therefore assured them that the Federal Government was interested in tackling the roots of the crisis and said that no side would be left out.
Also speaking, Ardo Mohammed Risku, Benue State MACBAN Chairman appreciated the president of the association for his effort to ensure that peace returns in the area.
The Benue State Chairman added that they would enlighten their people about the message by the president and promised to expose criminal elements among them.
He also decried the arbitrary arrest of innocent Fulani people by the security agencies and advised them to stop it in the interest of peace and development of the state.
“There is nothing wrong if a person who is a criminal is arrested, but how can you explain situations where innocent Fulani people are arrested simply because of the tribe,” he added.
The meeting was attended by leaders of the association from the two states as well as the representatives of the Department of State Security Service, Nigeria Police Force among others. (NAN).