Print this page
Monday, 12 February 2018 04:22

Fulani groups meet, promise to stop killings

Rate this item
(0 votes)

Fulani herdsmen who have been accused of serial fatal attacks on farmers in several parts of the country have now agreed to embrace peace and live peacefully with other Nigerians.

All the associations under the ethnic nationality met in Minna, Niger state, on Sunday where they  adopted the new policy of peaceful coexistence.

The major Fulani associations, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders, Allah Katul Houre, and Gan Allah Cattle Fulani were present at the meeting held at Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre.

Leaders of these groups, after listening to addresses of traditional rulers and top northern leaders at the meeting, made the vow to pursue peace and promised to convey similar message to their people.

It was not known at whose instance the meeting was held but top traditional rulers from Northern part of the country led by Emir of Kano, Mr Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Lamido of Adamawa, Mr Muhammadu Barkindo Mustafa were in attendance.

Mr Ango Abdullahi and Mr Aliyu Tilde attended the meeting.

Niger state government was reported to have facilitated the meeting.

Sanusi, addressing the gathering, told the herdsmen to take advantage of the opportunities provided by some state governments for the grazing of their cattle.

According to Sanusi, Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa and Kano states had provided a total of 90,000 hectares of land for cattle grazing.

The traditional ruler advised Nigerians to desist from labelling Fulani's as criminals, saying "they are Nigerians who are law abiding citizens and respect constituted authorities.”

However, Fulani from South Western part of the country complained that the region had no gazetted grazing reserves and asked the government to facilitate this.

The meeting lasted almost 5 hours.