Kwara state government says it will prioritise Fulani herders Children’s education to make them good leaders and end insecurity in the state.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq
Stated this at a security meeting organised by Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) for herders, security agencies and other stakeholders across the 16 local government area of the state held in Ilorin.
Governor AbdulRazaq who was represented by his , special Adviser on strategy, Abdulsalam Atiku said educating the Fulani children will prevent them from joining bad group.
He said the fight against insecurity requires a well organised strategy through the use of education to enlighten the people on the dangers of engaging in criminal activities.
Governor AbdulRazaq said the Fulani should also be educated on the need to adopt modern method of rearing cattle as against the old fashioned of roaming about to end farmers herders clashes.
He said the state government has brought a lot of interventions for herders across the 16 local governments areas of the state to support their vocations.
He advised the Fulani leaders to renew their commitments towards security and ensure better Welfare for their people.
In her remarks the senior special Assistant to Kwara state governor on Herdsmen and community outreach,Hajiya Aishatu Yusuf Baruten said the state government was commited to ensuring security in the nooks and crannies of the state.
She urged the residents of Fulani communities to support the state government efforts in the maintenance of law and order.
In his address Members representing Banni / Adena state constituency at the Kwara state House of Assembly, Saidu Baba said the problem of insecurity should be tackled with all the necessary strength it deserves.
The lawmaker said the challenges of banditry, Kidnapping and cattle rustling has become a nightmare to the state and the country as a whole.
He said the state legislators will continue to make laws that will reduce the security challenges to the minimum.
The lawmaker called for the collaboration of all stakeholders to ensure that security challenges become a thing of the past.
For his part the Chairman Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) Kwara state Chapter, Alhaji Shehu Garba said the issue of insecurity has made life unbearable for the Fulani herders.
He advised the Fulani herders to support government efforts aimed at bringing an end to the security challenges bedeviling them.
Alhaji Garba said the situation if not given the required attention it deserves may lead to the collapse of livestock farming in the state and the country in general.
In his remarks the Hardon Hardodi (Fulani Leader ) in Kwara state, Alhaji Ojonla Mahmud, represented by Ali Muhammed Jowuro said the Fulani herders will ensure adequate support for government initiatives to end insecurity at all levels.
He advised the herders to ensure vigilance and report any suspicious movement around them to the security agencies for prompt action.
Earlier in his address of welcome, the secretary Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) Kwara state Chapter, Abdulazeez Mohammed said the meeting is meant to raise their voice over the security challenges in the state particularly in Kwara south.
He said the herders are being abducted daily with their source of livelihood taken away.
The MACBAN secretary said the security situation has led to the abandonment of communities by the Fulani for fear of being killed.
Abdulazeez said the Fulani herders are seen as trouble makers and also face persecution in the society which makes life unbearable for them.
He said the situation is pathetic and the association has written to those leaving to return back home, adding that arrangements have been put in place to ensure safety and security of lives and property in the state.
The MACBAN secretary appealed to all stakeholders to support government efforts to ensure peace and security in the affected communities across the state .