The apex socio-cultural body of the Fulani ethnic nationality in Nigeria, known as Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore has asked the security agencies hold Governor Samuel Ortom responsible for continuous conflicts in the Benue State.
The body body also called on the Federal Government to create Ministry of Nomadic Affairs with a mandate to broaden educational opportunities and address pastoralist challenges in the country.
Rising from its expanded National Executive Meeting and State Chairmen on Monday in Abuja, the body condemned the continuous profiling of Fulani Pastoralists “by the beleaguered Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom through his satanic anti-grazing law that he has been using to officially confisticate and auction millions of cattle belonging to Fulanis in Benue- Nasarawa and Benue- Taraba boarder communities”.
A communique, signed by the National President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Alh. Abdullahi Bello Bodejo and the National Secretary, Engr. Saleh Alhassan made available to Journalists at the end of the meeting called on the security agencies to closely monitor the “criminal behavior of the Benue state governor because his apparent metal instability is responsible for continuous conflicts in the Benue valley.”
“Fulani Socio-cultural Association at her expanded National Executive Council Meeting to X-ray the Challenges confronting the Fulani Pastoralists in Nigeria, after extensive and exhaustive deliberations resolved as follows:
“The meeting called for the immediate Designation, Gazzeting and Development of all the 415 grazing reserves across the states of the Federation as the only first strategic step in addressing the challenges confronting Fulani Herders in Nigeria. This will include Building of Earth dams and solar boreholes, Building of vetnary clinics, Development of Diary (milk) collection centres.
“The meeting noted with dismay the recent genocidal massacre of Fulani Pastoralists in Taraba state and called on the Inspector General of Police to set up a high power panel to unmasked those responsible for the dastardly acts and ensure justice is done to the victims’ families to avoid people resorting to self-help.
“The meeting called on the establishing the Federal Ministry of Nomadic Affairs whose mandate is to broaden educational opportunities and address pastoralist challenges.
“The meeting dismissed the consistent claims of farmers- herders conflicts as major setback of instability and insecurity in Nigeria, but rather the conflicts are exacerbated by activities of states sponsored vigilantes and tribal hordes who willfully continue to carryout extra judicial killings of Fulani Pastoralists.
“The meeting observed the need for overhauling of Nigeria Security and Justice Systems to address cases of injustices and access to justice by pastoralist as many of our youths are languishing in detention centers across the country.
“The meeting charged the Political awareness and mobilization Directorate to embarked on massive enlightenment campaigns and voters’ education among Fulani Pastoralists to massively participate in the forthcoming general elections.
“The meeting express appreciation to and commend the President and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR for his commitment to Livestock Development, enhancing security and general welfare of the pastoralist community in Nigeria and appeal to Mr. President to ensure the creation of full-fledged Ministry for Livestock Development that will see to the full implementation of the National Livestock Transformation Plan before the end of his tenure.