Miyetti Allah threatens suspension of livestock supply nationwide

In response to the ongoing challenges faced by its members, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has issued a warning that they may halt the sale of livestock nationwide if the government does not take decisive action.

This declaration came following a Fulbe National Security Summit held in Abuja, where a communique was presented to the press. The document was signed by prominent figures such as Baba Othman Ngelzarma, National President of MACBAN, Mallam Isa Yuguda, President of Tabital Pulaaku International, and Dr. Salim Musa Umar, President General of Fulbe Global Development and Right Initiative.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the alleged negative portrayal of Fulbe communities nationwide, the summit called for collaboration between the government, socio-cultural associations, and security agencies to address the current issues affecting pastoralists.

Concern was raised over the lack of government support for Fulbe pastoralists and their frequent marginalization, leading to intimidation and displacement. The summit warned that if immediate measures are not taken by all levels of government, livestock sales could be suspended nationwide.

The summit also criticized the encroachment and degradation of grazing reserves across the country, advocating for their preservation in all relevant states.

Emphasizing that Fulbe associations do not condone criminal activities like banditry and kidnapping, the summit urged urgent action to address security challenges facing the Fulbe communities, including socio-economic issues and arms proliferation.

Addressing the influence of social media on the situation, the summit called for government intervention to counter hate speech targeting the Fulanis and proposed a non-kinetic approach to combat banditry and kidnapping.

Furthermore, the summit recommended retaining the National Commission for Nomadic Education to ensure basic education for pastoralist children, highlighting the significance of educating the sizable number of out-of-school pastoralist children in Nigeria.