Leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Southern Kaduna have pledged stronger cooperation with security agencies to address the persistent security challenges in the region.
We gathered that the commitment was made during a meeting convened by the association on Sunday in Kafanchan, the administrative centre of Jema’a Local Government Area.
Addressing participants, the Southern Kaduna Zonal Chairman of MACBAN, Alhaji Mato Yahaya, said the forum became necessary as communities in the area continued to grapple with security concerns.
“We cannot stand idly by and allow insecurity to take firm root in our communities.
“Therefore, I urge us all to be frank in our submissions and suggest practical ways of resolving the security problems facing us,” he said.
Yahaya also encouraged members to support initiatives that promote harmonious living between fulanis and neighbouring communities.
Similarly, the Kaduna State Chairman of MACBAN, Alhaji Abdulhamid Albarka, noted that the gathering aimed to harness the views of grassroots Fulani leaders and channel them to relevant security formations. He urged them to identify and report criminal elements within their ranks to dispel suspicions of complicity.
“If we don’t fish them out, they will give us a bad name and we don’t want that at all,” he said.
Also speaking, the National Organising Secretary of MACBAN, Alhaji Hassan Tugga, who is from the zone, reaffirmed the association’s resolve to protect the fragile peace currently being enjoyed. He advised traditional and community leaders to promptly alert authorities about any suspicious persons or activities.
Tugga further appealed to journalists to remain factual and balanced in their reporting of security matters in the region.
Other contributors at the meeting stressed the importance of herders obtaining farmers’ consent before grazing on harvested farmlands.
The meeting drew Fulani leaders from the eight local government areas within Southern Kaduna.
