Pastoralists seek end to farmer-herder clashes in Nasarawa, Benue

Stakeholders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Nasarawa and Benue states have called on members to take urgent steps toward resolving ongoing conflicts with farmers, in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to restore peace. The National President of MACBAN, Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, made the call on Thursday during a […]

Stakeholders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Nasarawa and Benue states have called on members to take urgent steps toward resolving ongoing conflicts with farmers, in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to restore peace.

The National President of MACBAN, Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, made the call on Thursday during a peace-building meeting held in Lafia, the headquarters of Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

The meeting brought together MACBAN stakeholders and members from both states.

Ngelzarma said the gathering was convened to encourage members to share their thoughts with open minds, saying “Two wrongs do not make a right.”

He described the prolonged clashes between farmers and herders in parts of Benue and Nasarawa as one of the most tragic and painful realities confronting northern Nigeria.

Recognising the vital role of peaceful coexistence in the survival and progress of pastoral communities, the MACBAN president urged herders in both states to champion peace advocacy efforts.

“We must disown and isolate anyone within our ranks who promotes confrontation or criminality. Conflicts over land, water, and grazing have become far too frequent, with consequences too dire to ignore. It is time to change our approach.

“Violence is not a solution. Retaliation is not justice. We must embrace dialogue, empathy and mutual understanding. Our pastoral way of life can only thrive in peace,” he said.

Ngelzarma urged MACBAN members across the country to engage actively in peace-building initiatives. He also called on traditional rulers to play a more assertive role in facilitating dialogue and reconciliation, stressing their position as custodians of culture and bridges between communities.

He said there was a need to involve youth, who are often drawn into cycles of violence, by empowering them with knowledge, skills and opportunities.

 “An idle and aggrieved youth population is a breeding ground for chaos but included in peace processes, they can be our greatest asset,” he added.

Ngelzarma also appreciated President Tinubu for visiting crisis-affected states, noting that his compassion had reignited hope.

 “To our brothers and sisters in farming communities, we say this: we need you, and you need us. Agriculture and livestock are two sides of the same coin. Let us talk, forgive, and plan together.”

The dialogue was attended by MACBAN state chairmen from Nasarawa and Benue, security representatives, Fulani leaders, and rural youth groups.