The time to heal wounds is NOW! Cattle breeders association
- The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has said that time has come for farmers and herdsmen to heal work towards peaceful co-existence in Nigeria
- MACBAN said the long crisis between herdsmen and farmer in various states across Nigeria must come to an end
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has said that time has come for farmers and herdsmen to heal work towards peaceful co-existence in Nigeria.
MACBAN said the long crisis between herdsmen and farmer in various states across Nigeria must come to an end.
In a statement signed by its national secretary Othman Ngelzarma, MACBAN said: “The time for the healing of the wounds occasioned by this human tragedy is now, and MACBAN shall continue to be part of any efforts at genuine reconciliation.”
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While commiserating with families of victims of the crisis between some herdsmen and farmers in Delta state and Southern Kaduna, Ngelzarma said the unfortunate bloodletting must come to an end.
He also commiserated with the Nigerian police on the loss of a police area commander who was killed in Delta state.
“Miyetti Allah has often times categorically condemned extremism bloodletting and their perpetrators in all their ramifications and will continue to uphold same, not minding whoever is involve, be its members or any other group or individuals,” Ngelzarma said.
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“We also have time without number frowned at violence and those who initiate it. It is our belief that violence remains mankind’s greatest stupidity, as violence begets greater violence. Simply put, violence occurs partly because the belligerent fails to tailor their senses towards those elements that ensure peaceful co-existence amongst people.
“We therefore, condemn in unequivocal terms those fanning the embers of Religious and ethnic intolerance both in Southern Kaduna and other communities,” he said.
However, stating that herdsmen have sometimes been on the receiving end of violence across Nigeria, MACBAN said: “Just recently and precisely on the December 6, 2016, one of our members was killed while Ten of his cow were also allegedly killed by some elements from the Nimbo community in Enugu State, who crossed over to Idah Local Government area of Kogi State to commit the said crime.”
“Then, some unscrupulous members of Igah community in Uzoajeh Local Government of Enugu State crossed over to Omasi in Anambra, killing twenty-two cows belonging to our members. This was followed by the killing of two of our members at Rugan Alahji Quadri, then five others were reportedly killed in Lushi, and worst still Fulani settlements of Bomaanda, Jollari (Garin Ardo Bakari) and Lande Jewshi were allegedly burnt down by some elements of Mumuyeh community in Lau Local Government of Taraba State.
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“On that same faithful day, one of our members was also killed in a community close to Ganye in Jada Local Government area of Adamawa simply because some of his cows mistakenly strayed and damaged a few molded blocks in a Block making factory.
“We were also notified of the killing of two villagers by Herdsmen in Ehuvu, in Ughelli North local government area, and we advised all relevant security outfits to look into the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice, as MACBAN won’t condone such acts of brutality on its members.
“Unfortunately, when such violence and killings occur, farmers and members of such communities receive favorable reporting, while Herdsmen are singled out for condemnation,” the association said.
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Ngelzarma further called on the media to make efforts to balance its reports on the crisis between herdsmen and farmers across Nigeria.
“We are of the opinion that no right thinking and patriotic Nigerian should have the luxury of taking sides in a purely communal clash emanating from minor misunderstanding.
“Again, MACBAN vehemently disassociates itself from those who hold the view that the Southern Kaduna skirmishes between Fulanis and the other ethnic groupings represent a case of ethnic cleaning. Nothing can be further from the truth," MACBAN added.
Source: Legit.ng
