Tobias Sylvester
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), has called for establishment of Fulani Youth Vigilante body in communities of the South East.
According to Vanguard, the cattle breeders made the request just as the South east Governors told them that nobody in the zone was against rearing of cattle but that it was paramount for everyone to understand that there are rules of engagement in every relationship, including that of herders and farmers.
Speaking during the South east Security summit in Enugu on Thursday, June 20, 2019, the National President of MACBAN, Alhaji Mohammadu Kirowa regretted that once insecurity was mentioned in Nigeria, the first idea that comes into minds was Fulani herdsmen. Represented by the National Secretary.
The group however said it wants an establishment of Fulani Youth Vigilante group, noting that “the Fulani Youth Vigilant body will be working with the security, the neighborhood watch or vigilante to ensure security in all communities, as it was done in Enugu state.”
“We will solicit for your support and cooperation in adopting dialogue where problems exist as a means of brokering peace and to report cases against our members to either the Fulani Youth Vigilante Group, state or local branch of the association,” Kirowa said.
Chairman of the South East Governors Forum and Governor of Ebonyi state, Engr. Dave Umahi who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Kelechi Igwe stated that the region cannot engage in policy of exclusion to limit any farmer or herder, but that rules of engagement should be observed in every relationship.
