Leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Southern Kaduna have pledged closer cooperation with security agencies to help tackle persistent security challenges in the area.
The commitment was made at a meeting convened by the association in Kafanchan, headquarters of Jema’a Local Government Area.
Southern Kaduna Zonal Chairman of MACBAN, Alhaji Mato Yahaya, said the forum became necessary in view of growing concerns over insecurity affecting communities in the zone.
“We cannot simply watch while insecurity takes deeper root within our communities. Everyone must speak frankly and propose workable solutions,” he told participants.
He urged members to deepen peaceful relations between Fulani herders and neighbouring communities.
Kaduna State MACBAN Chairman, Alhaji Abdulhamid Albarka, said the meeting was aimed at gathering suggestions from Fulani leaders for onward presentation to security agencies.
He encouraged participants to expose criminal elements within their communities to avoid suspicion and safeguard the association’s image.
“If we don’t identify and report them, they will tarnish our image, and we must avoid that at all costs,” he warned.
National Organising Secretary of MACBAN, Alhaji Hassan Tugga, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to sustaining the relative peace currently being enjoyed in Southern Kaduna. He called for prompt reporting of suspicious individuals or activities and appealed to the media for balanced reporting on security issues.
Speakers also emphasised the importance of seeking farmers’ permission before grazing on already harvested farmlands.
Fulani leaders drawn from the eight LGAs in Southern Kaduna attended the meeting.
