Cattle rearers in Nigeria have accused President Muhammadu Buhari of failing to protect their lives and properties during his tenure. The breeders argue that given his background as a cattle breeder, Buhari should have been in a better position to broker peaceful relations between livestock and crop farmers to reduce the loss of lives and property arising from conflicts in various states.
At a joint press conference held on Thursday in Abuja, the Pastoralists Association of Nigeria (COPAN) expressed confidence that the incoming president, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will make it a priority to resolve the long-standing issue. COPAN is a coalition of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Fulbe Global Development and Rights Initiative (FGDRI), and Tabital Pulaaku International Nigeria Chapter.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Baba Othman Ngelzarma, the National President of MACBAN, noted that security agents had failed to protect innocent people from criminal vigilantes and bandits. He called on the incoming government to mandate security operatives to do more to safeguard citizens in areas prone to violence. Furthermore, COPAN urged the authorities to investigate and prosecute those involved in the unrest.
The breeders also implored elected officials at all levels of government to be mindful of factors that could heighten insecurity in the nation. They noted that pastoral communities in the affected states should show restraint in their reactions to the situation.
During the press conference, Alhaji Auwal A. Gonga, the Vice President of Tabital Pulaaku International Nigeria Chapter, advocated for the establishment of a Federal Ministry of Pastoralist Affairs by the incoming administration. According to him, the ministry would be responsible for managing the affairs of farmers and pastoralists and potentially help prevent conflicts by encouraging harmonious coexistence. Gonga alleged that security agencies have been partial in their handling of the herders’ plight and that a specialized ministry will be better suited to handle the matter.
As Nigeria’s livestock and farming communities continue to grapple with the hostilities that have resulted in significant loss of life and destruction of property, it remains to be seen how the incoming administration will respond to the pressing issue.
