The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has called on President Bola Tinubu to issue a presidential order directing security agencies to protect herders and pastoralist communities across the country.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, MACBAN National Secretary-General, Alhaji Bello Gotomo, expressed deep concern over the growing insecurity faced by herders and the continued alleged ethnic profiling, harassment, and unlawful detention of Fulani pastoralists in various parts of Nigeria.
“The Federal Government must ensure justice, accountability, and protection for all Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnicity,” Gotomo stated.
Gotomo highlighted recent incidents, including the alleged unlawful arrest and inhumane treatment of herders at Opere Market in Kabba Local Government Area, Kogi State. According to him, these actions reflect a broader pattern of discrimination and social exclusion.
He emphasized that pastoralists are frequently scapegoated for the country’s security challenges, a practice he said only deepens division and undermines national peace.
“We call on the National Human Rights Commission and the international community to intervene urgently. The targeting of Fulani pastoralists is a human rights concern that must not be ignored,” he added.
MACBAN is also urging the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to implement measures that guarantee the protection of herders while promoting national security.
Gotomo said the NSA must develop and enforce frameworks that are inclusive and non-discriminatory to counter the growing trend of ethnic profiling in the country.
The association stressed that protecting herders is not only a matter of human rights but also key to national unity. They urged the Federal Government to integrate pastoralist development into Nigeria’s national security and agricultural policies, noting that peaceful coexistence between herders and farmers is vital for food security.
“The Fulani herders are not enemies of Nigeria. They are integral to our national economy and deserve respect, dignity, and equal protection under the law,” Gotomo said.
Nigeria has long struggled with recurring farmer-herder conflicts, particularly in the Middle Belt and parts of the North. These clashes are often driven by climate change, land scarcity, and inadequate grazing infrastructure.
Security experts and analysts have consistently called for modern ranching systems, designated grazing routes, and better land use management to reduce the frequency of clashes and enhance peaceful cohabitation.
MACBAN reiterated its commitment to peaceful coexistence and national development. The group is calling for structured dialogue among stakeholders, including herders, farmers, traditional leaders, and government agencies, to resolve existing tensions and prevent future conflicts.
Gotomo noted that any long-term solution must be rooted in inclusivity, transparency, and justice, adding that herders should not be left out of key national conversations on security and development.
As of the time of this report, the Presidency has yet to respond to MACBAN’s latest appeal. However, President Tinubu has repeatedly assured Nigerians of his administration’s resolve to ensure national security, economic stability, and social cohesion.
With MACBAN’s request now in the public domain, attention shifts to whether the Federal Government will take decisive steps to address the concerns raised and protect all citizens, including those in pastoralist communities.