The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria on Wednesday called on Nigerians not treat all Fulani herdsmen as criminals.
The association further stated that Fulani herdsmen have economic value in the South-West region.
The National President of MACBAN, Muhammad Kirowa, further stated that over 8,000 cows are consumed in the South-West region on a daily basis.
Kirowa stated this at the stakeholders’ meeting on farmers and herdsmen’s clashes in Ogun State as they concerned the recent troubled communities.
Those present at the event were the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu; Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawale; Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu and Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sanni Bello.
“Our people suffered more in the hands of criminals in Nigeria. But we have been portrayed as criminals. Herders deserve sympathy. They are not criminals. Over 8,000 cows are consumed in the South-West on a daily basis,” he stated.
The Sarkin Fulani of Abeokuta, Muhammad Kabir Labar, also noted that about 20 houses were burnt in the recent crisis in the state.
He said elements were bent “on setting our people against one another by whipping up ethnic sentiments.”
In another development, a farmer of Igbo-Ori in the Yewa community of Ogun State, Ajoke Ishola, have been abducted and killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
It was gathered that Ishola’s body was discovered by angry residents on Tuesday as the assailants dumped her corpse behind former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s farm along Oke-Ori community.