Fear of herdsmen, Islamic dominance responsible for challenges bedevilling Nigeria —Miyetti Allah

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has listed two problems responsible for the many challenges bedeviling Nigeria.

MACBAN in a message to mark Nigeria’s 59th independence anniversary, said the fear of Fulani herdsmen and islamic dominance were responsible for increased suspicion among Nigerians.

Chairman of the group, Gidado Siddiki, who delivered the message, said the unease has provoked rumours of Islamisation and Fulanisation agendas in Nigeria.

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He however called on the National Orientation Agency, NOA, to boost its sensitisation of Nigerians on the need to love and reduce suspicions over such agenda making the rounds.

Sidiki said: “My organisation, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, remains hopeful that as time progresses, more Nigerians will increasingly understand its role as a trade/cultural union whose primary responsibility is to protect the interests of Fulani herders across Nigeria, while ensuring that such interests do not undermine those of other people or economic units in any part of the country.

“Nigerians should open their hearts to be more tolerant and receptive of the activities of our herders and duly feed us back when conflict brews, so that better understanding and more enduring harmony will be sought. This way, in no distant time, the friction and the suspicion will die a natural death.”

He further urged faith-based organisations, cultural and political groups to liaise freely with MACBAN on issues that arouse their suspicion and obtain clarification rather than rush to media houses, spreading confusion and unsubstantiated accusations.

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