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By: Manoah kikekon
Miyetti Allah Calls for End to 'Ethnic Profiling,' Demands Security Intervention for Pastoralists
Abuja, Nigeria – The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has called on President Bola Tinubu to issue a presidential directive mandating security agencies to provide enhanced protection for herdsmen across the country.
In a strongly-worded statement released on Friday, MACBAN’s National Secretary-General, Bello Gotomo, urged the federal government to halt what it described as “discriminatory practices” against pastoralists. He emphasized the need for the National Security Adviser (NSA) to implement concrete measures to combat alleged ethnic profiling, stigmatization, and scapegoating of Fulani herdsmen.
Gotomo stressed that the Nigerian government must “ensure accountability, justice, and protection for all citizens, regardless of ethnicity.” The statement comes amid rising tensions between farmers and herders, particularly in states like Ondo, Benue, and Kogi, where clashes have led to loss of lives and farm destruction.
MACBAN also condemned the reported unlawful arrests and inhumane treatment of herdsmen at Opere Market in Kabba Local Government Area, calling for immediate intervention from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the international community.
While MACBAN insists herdsmen are unfairly targeted, farmers and state governments have repeatedly accused armed herders of violence, kidnappings, and farmland destruction. In January, the Ondo State government issued an ultimatum for unregistered herders to vacate forest reserves, citing security concerns.
The appeal places President Tinubu in a tight spot, as he balances demands for herder protection against widespread calls for stricter regulation of open grazing. Analysts suggest that any presidential order favoring herdsmen could spark further controversy, especially in conflict-prone regions.
As the debate rages, security experts urge dialogue and policy reforms to address the root causes of herder-farmer conflicts. Meanwhile, MACBAN’s demand puts pressure on the Tinubu administration to either take decisive action or risk escalating tensions.
(NAN)