By Correspondent in Lafia.
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has strongly condemned the recent attacks in Benue State that claimed the lives of more than 200 people, calling on Fulani communities to embrace peace and dialogue.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting held on Thursday in Lafia, Nasarawa State, MACBAN National President, Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, expressed deep concern over the loss of lives and destruction of property resulting from the recurring farmer-herder conflicts.
Our correspondent reports that the meeting brought together members of the association from Nasarawa and Benue States, with the central aim of promoting peace and reconciliation among affected communities.
He described the prolonged clashes between farmers and herders as one of the most painful realities confronting Northern Nigeria, stressing that both sides have suffered great losses, in lives, livestock, property, and livelihoods.
The MACBAN President urged Fulani leaders and members to take the lead in peace advocacy and community dialogue.
“Our way of life as pastoralists can only survive if we live in peace with our neighbors.
“We must isolate and reject any individuals within our ranks who promote conflict and criminality,”he noted.
“We must engage in dialogue, show empathy, and seek mutual understanding. This is the only way to build lasting peace,”Othman-Ngelzarma emphasized.
He also called on Fulani traditional rulers to take a more assertive role in promoting reconciliation, while urging the youth to embrace positive engagement and reject violence.
“Our youth must be equipped with knowledge, skills, and opportunities to thrive. They should become peace ambassadors, not agents of destruction,” he said.
He commended the efforts of the Federal Government, state and local authorities, and civil society groups for their ongoing work to reduce tensions in the region.
The MACBAN leader expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for visiting affected communities in Benue, describing the visit as a “symbol of hope and unity.”
“The President’s presence has rekindled hope. Nigeria belongs to all of us, farmers, herders, settlers, and indigenes. We need each other.
“To our brothers and sisters in the farming communities — agriculture and livestock are two sides of the same coin. One cannot thrive without the other. Let us talk. Let us forgive. Let us plan together,”he said.
Othman-Ngelzarma assured that peace-building would henceforth be a top priority for MACBAN members. He urged them to report any acts of provocation or attacks to the association’s leadership for prompt intervention.
Also speaking at the event, Ardo Mohammed Risku, MACBAN Chairman in Benue State, commended the national leadership for its commitment to restoring peace. He pledged to spread the message to Fulani communities in the state and to help identify and expose criminal elements.
Risku, however, raised concerns about the arbitrary arrest of innocent Fulani individuals by security agencies.
“There is nothing wrong with arresting criminals. But it is unjust to detain innocent people simply because they are Fulani. This must stop for the sake of peace and development,” he said.
The meeting was attended by MACBAN leaders from Benue and Nasarawa States, along with representatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and other stakeholders.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
