The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, has called on the Federal Government and the governments of Niger and Kebbi States to urgently intervene over alleged attacks and displacement of Fulani pastoralists in parts of the two states.
In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Bello Aliyu Gotomo, the association described the situation as an emerging humanitarian crisis, alleging that attacks initially reported in Niger State had spread to the Yauri axis of Kebbi.
MACBAN claimed that more than 10,000 pastoralists had fled their communities and taken refuge in Kaoje, Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
It also alleged that over 5,000 cattle were left roaming after their owners were reportedly killed or fled their communities to escape attacks.
According to the association, the situation had contributed to widespread destruction of farmlands stretching from Agwara, Bargu and Kainji towards the border with the Benin Republic.
MACBAN alleged that the attacks involved hunters, local tribal militias and some vigilante members, including alleged elements from neighbouring Benin Republic.
The association further claimed that some cattle belonging to displaced or killed pastoralists had been stolen and transported to cattle markets in parts of southern and eastern Nigeria for sale.
It said its Lagos branch was already holding some animals allegedly identified as stolen, although the claims could not be independently verified.
MACBAN also alleged that stolen cattle meat was being transported from forests and illegal abattoirs into Kaduna metropolis, urging authorities to investigate the alleged cattle-rustling networks.
The association called for immediate security intervention to halt the alleged killings and protect pastoralist communities in the affected areas.
It also urged the authorities to identify and provide emergency assistance to displaced persons, particularly those taking refuge around Kaoje and Yauri, while conducting a comprehensive investigation into the alleged cattle-rustling networks.
MACBAN said perpetrators of the attacks and cattle theft should be identified and brought to justice, irrespective of their affiliations.
The association’s allegations come amid continuing security challenges and communal tensions affecting farming and pastoralist communities across parts of the North-West and North-Central regions.
‘Our people are being murdered’ – MACBAN cries out over Niger, Kebbi attacks