Destruction Of Farms By Herdsmen Not Enough Justification For Violence – Sultan

BEVERLY HILLS, August 16, (THEWILL) – The Sultan of Sokoto and Grand Patron of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar III has stated that the destruction of farmlands by cattle reared by herdsmen is not enough reason for landowners to resort to violence.

The President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, stated this on Monday when the Miyetti Allah National President and Ardon Zuru, Muhammadu Kiruwa paid him a courtesy call.

He reasoned that rather than resorting to violence on the ground that herdsmen invaded a particular farm, the farmers with the owners of such cattle should find a way of reaching amicable resolution either by getting paid the value of the destroyed crops or otherwise.

Abubakar reminded Nigerians that not every herdsman that is Fulani, just as not all Fulani is herd cattle, adding that Nigerians should understand that the Fulani man is a lover of peace and peaceful coexistence anytime, anywhere.

He however lamented that there are bad eggs in every society, hence the need to stop seeing any set of people as troublesome.

The Sultan commended the effort of the Federal Government in setting up a committee to help sensitise the Fulanis and farmers on certain issues that concern them, particularly the grazing reserve and cattle ranch.

According to him, “We appreciate the fact that a committee of this nature is being formed to help in taking broader measures to ensure that both Fulanis and Farmers are sensitized on certain issues.

“These incessant clashes don't only affect just the herders and farmers but the entire country. And we will never relent in sensitizing the people.

“The issue is gradually taking another dimension. Hence it is looking as if Fulanis don't want to live in peace with people while the opposite is the case.

“Fulanis has never been known for violence rather peaceful coexistence with host communities.

“But one basic thing Nigerians should note is that there are herders who are not Fulanis just as there are Fulanis who are not herders.”