The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Oyo State chapter, took to the streets on Monday to stage a protest over what they described as the unlawful detention of their members and their exclusion from the state’s Rule of Law Enforcement Agency. The protesters, led by Serkin Fulani of Oyo State, Alhaji Yakubu Bello, and liaison officer Adam Abdukadir, expressed deep concerns about the plight of their members who they claim are being held without trial under the state’s anti-grazing law.
The anti-grazing law, which was enacted in 2019, aims to address the recurring farmer-herder clashes in the state. However, MACBAN argues that the law is being enforced in a manner that is unfair and biased against the Fulani herders. The protesters claim that many of their members were arrested and detained without a fair hearing, and are still being held without trial.
During the protest, MACBAN’s leaders emphasized that they are not against the law itself, but insist that it must be enforced with fairness and justice. They stressed that their members are peace-loving and committed to living in harmony with host communities, and that they are willing to work with the government to find solutions to the challenges facing the state.
One of the key demands made by MACBAN is that they be included in the state’s Rule of Law Enforcement Agency. The group believes that their inclusion would provide valuable insights, especially in rural areas where many herders reside. They argue that their exclusion from the agency is unfair and denies them the opportunity to contribute to the decision-making process.
The protesters have called on the Oyo State government, traditional leaders, and civil society groups to intervene and ensure justice and fairness in the enforcement of the law. They urge the government to consider their demands and work towards finding a solution that would benefit all parties involved.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to MACBAN’s demands. However, one thing is certain: the protesters are determined to have their voices heard and their rights protected. The protest is a clear indication that the Fulani herders will no longer be silenced, and that they will continue to fight for their rights and interests.
In a related development, the Oyo State government has been urged to engage in dialogue with MACBAN and other stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the challenges facing the state. Many believe that the government must take a more inclusive approach to addressing the issues, and that the exclusion of MACBAN from the Rule of Law Enforcement Agency is a major obstacle to finding a solution.
As the people of Oyo State continue to grapple with the challenges of farmer-herder clashes, it is clear that a more nuanced approach is needed. The government must work towards finding a solution that takes into account the interests of all parties involved, and that promotes peace, justice, and fairness for all.
