The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), the country’s main pastoralist body, has called for a direct presidential order to security agencies to ensure the safety and security of pastoralist communities across Nigeria.
The appeal was made in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by the National Secretary-General of MACBAN, Bello Gotomo.
In the statement, Mr. Gotomo also urged the Federal Government to put an end to what he described as all forms of discriminatory practices allegedly targeting pastoralists in the country.
He specifically emphasized the need for the office of Nigeria’s National Security Adviser to implement concrete measures to address what MACBAN claims is ethnic profiling, stigmatisation, and scapegoating of pastoralists.
“The Nigerian Government must ensure accountability, justice and protection for all citizens regardless of ethnicity,” Mr. Gotomo stated.
The association also raised concerns over the alleged unlawful arrest, inhumane treatment, and profiling of some pastoralists at Opere Market in the Kabba Local Government area of Kogi State.
“Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria calls on the Federal Government, the National Human Rights Commission and the International Community to urgently intervene,” the statement concluded.
MACBAN’s appeal comes against a backdrop of ongoing tensions and conflicts in various parts of Nigeria, often involving clashes between pastoralist communities and farmers over land and resources. The association has frequently voiced concerns about the treatment of its members and has called for greater protection and justice.
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