The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, has issued a stern warning to the government, threatening to halt the sale of livestock nationwide if the challenges facing its members are not addressed. This ultimatum was delivered during a Fulbe National Security Summit in Abuja, where key figures in the community expressed their frustration over the negative portrayal of the Fulbe people.
The summit highlighted the lack of government support for Fulbe pastoralists, who often face discrimination and violence at the hands of security forces and vigilante groups. They emphasized the urgent need for action to address issues such as encroachment on grazing reserves, insecurity, and social marginalization.
In a bid to integrate Fulbe communities into society, the summit called for a non-kinetic approach to tackling banditry, kidnapping, and cattle rustling. They also stressed the importance of preserving the National Commission for Nomadic Education to ensure that pastoralist children receive a quality education.
Despite the complexity of the security challenges facing the country, the summit made it clear that Fulbe associations do not condone criminal activities and are themselves often victims of violence. They called for government intervention to regulate hate speech targeting Fulanis on social media and to address the root causes of conflict in the region.
The summit’s message is clear: without meaningful action from all levels of government, the Fulbe pastoralists will have no choice but to take drastic measures to protect their livelihoods. It is now up to the authorities to heed their warning and work towards a more inclusive and secure future for all Nigerians.
