The Oyo State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) staged a protest on Monday, condemning what it described as the unjust detention of its members and their exclusion from the state’s Rule of Law Enforcement Agency.
Led by the Serkin Fulani of Oyo, Alhaji Yakubu Bello, and the association’s liaison officer, Adam Abdukadir, the group accused state authorities of marginalising Fulani herders and denying them a voice in critical security matters.Speaking to journalists in Ibadan, Alhaji Bello raised concerns over the continued incarceration of several herders, claiming they were wrongly arrested under the state’s anti-grazing law.“Our members were wrongfully detained. They were not given fair hearings before being remanded,” Bello stated.
The protest comes amid ongoing tensions related to the enforcement of the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, which aims to address conflicts between farmers and herders by banning open grazing.
MACBAN, however, insists that the law is being selectively enforced against its members. “We’re not opposed to the law,” Abdukadir noted. “But enforcement must be just and inclusive. Our members are peaceful and want to coexist harmoniously.”
The group also criticised their exclusion from the state’s law enforcement and security systems, arguing that their participation would enhance communication and foster stability in rural areas.
“As stakeholders, our inclusion in the enforcement committee is essential. We can help bridge gaps and promote understanding in areas where our members live and work,” Bello added.
Calling on the state government, traditional rulers, and civil society groups to intervene, MACBAN reaffirmed its commitment to peace and cooperation.“We want to be heard. We are citizens too, and we’re committed to ensuring peace across Oyo State,” Bello said.
The anti-grazing law, enacted in 2019, prohibits the open grazing of livestock in a bid to reduce farmer-herder clashes. Violations carry penalties including fines and jail time. Tensions over land use and grazing rights continue to trigger unrest in various parts of the country.
Source : https://saharareporters.com/
