By Editor
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria has called on the Federal Government and the governments of Niger and Kebbi States to urgently intervene over what it described as escalating attacks on Fulani pastoralists. In a statement issued on September 7 and signed by National Secretary Bello Aliyu Gotomo, MACBAN said the violence, initially reported in parts of Niger State, has spread to the Yauri axis of Kebbi, creating what it termed an emerging humanitarian crisis.
According to the association, more than 10,000 pastoralists have fled their communities and are now taking refuge in Kaoje, Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi. MACBAN also alleged that over 5,000 cattle were left roaming after their owners were either killed or forced to flee. The group said the displacement has left entire settlements deserted and families without shelter or livelihood.
MACBAN further alleged that the attacks were carried out by hunters, local tribal militias and some vigilante members, including what it described as elements from neighboring Benin Republic. The association said the violence has led to widespread destruction of farmlands stretching from Agwara, Bargu and Kainji towards the Benin border, worsening tensions between farming and pastoralist communities in the region.
The group also raised concerns over alleged cattle rustling. It claimed that animals belonging to displaced or killed pastoralists have been stolen and transported to cattle markets in parts of southern and eastern Nigeria. MACBAN said its Lagos branch was holding some animals identified as possibly stolen, and alleged that stolen cattle meat was being moved from forests and illegal abattoirs into Kaduna metropolis. The association noted the claims could not be independently verified.
MACBAN is now demanding immediate security intervention to halt the killings, emergency assistance for displaced persons around Kaoje and Yauri, and a comprehensive investigation into the alleged cattle-rustling networks. It urged authorities to bring all perpetrators to justice “irrespective of their affiliations.” The appeal comes amid continuing security challenges and communal tensions affecting farming and pastoralist communities across parts of the North-West and North-Central.
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