MACBAN Urges Presidential Directive to Shield Herders from Insecurity, Alleged Discrimination
Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association calls on President Tinubu to direct security agencies to protect herders and end alleged ethnic profiling, discrimination, and unlawful treatment.
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to issue a directive to security agencies to enhance protection for pastoralist communities nationwide.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, the association’s National Secretary-General, Alhaji Bello Gotomo, also appealed to the Federal Government to end all forms of alleged discriminatory practices against herders.
Gotomo highlighted growing concerns over what he described as ethnic profiling, stigmatisation, and scapegoating of pastoralists. He called on the Office of the National Security Adviser to take concrete steps to uphold justice and accountability, regardless of ethnic background.
“The Nigerian Government must ensure justice, protection, and equal treatment for all citizens, irrespective of ethnicity,” he said.
The MACBAN scribe expressed particular concern over a recent incident at the Opere Market in Kabba Local Government Area of Kogi State, where some pastoralists were allegedly unlawfully arrested and subjected to inhumane treatment.
According to Gotomo, the association views such actions as part of a broader pattern of discrimination that must be addressed urgently.
“We call on the Federal Government, the National Human Rights Commission, and the international community to immediately intervene to prevent further violations of the rights of pastoralists,” he added.
MACBAN has long advocated for the protection of nomadic communities, citing their contributions to national food security and the economy. The group emphasized the need for inclusive policies that promote peaceful coexistence and respect for all Nigerians.
