In a press conference held in Abuja on Thursday, the cattle breeders across the country voiced their disappointment in President Muhammadu Buhari, alleging that he had failed to ensure their safety and protect their properties throughout his tenure. They argued that since President Buhari himself is a cattle breeder, he should have taken the initiative to bring together breeders and farmers to find amicable solutions to the persistent conflicts that have resulted in the loss of numerous lives in various states across the country.
During the joint press conference, the cattle breeders expressed their optimism that the incoming President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, would restore peace and harmony between herders and farmers. Notable attendees included Dr. Baba Othman Ngelzarma, the National President of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN); Dr. Salim Musa Umar, President General of the Fulbe Global Development and Rights Initiative (FGDRI); and Alh. Auwal A. Gonga, Vice President of the Tabital Pulaaku International Nigeria Chapter, representing the umbrella organization, Pastoralists Association of Nigeria (COPAN).
Dr. Salim Musa, speaking on behalf of the group, called on the incoming President to scrutinize the activities of security agents deployed in volatile areas and mandate them to take more effective measures in protecting innocent individuals who continue to be harassed by criminal vigilantes and bandits. COPAN also urged the security agencies to identify, apprehend, and prosecute all those involved in criminal activities, in order to serve as a deterrent to other individuals with criminal intentions.
Additionally, the coalition appealed to elected officials at all levels of government to address factors that may contribute to the escalation of insecurity in the country. They also urged pastoral communities in the states to exercise restraint in the face of the challenges that have affected them.
In response to questions, Alh. Auwal Gonga called upon President-elect Tinubu to establish the Federal Ministry of Pastoralist Affairs, aimed at managing issues pertaining to this aspect of the economy in accordance with global best practices, as observed in neighboring countries and other ECOWAS member nations. The ministry would be responsible for harmonizing and overseeing the affairs of both farmers and pastoralists, rather than solely relying on security agencies that, in their view, have demonstrated biases.