The Kwara State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has urged the state government and security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged killing of Fulani residents in Edu Local Government Area of the state.
State Chairman of the association, Alhaji Shehu Garba, made the call in a statement issued in Ilorin, expressing deep concern over what he described as the government’s poor handling of issues affecting the lives and properties of Fulani communities.
According to Garba, findings by the association revealed that at different times in Oke Ode (Ifelodun Local Government), Omu-Aran (Irepodun Local Government), and Gbugbu (Edu Local Government), no fewer than 20 Fulani people have lost their lives, while 42 cows, sheep, and goats were missing. He added that over 1,200 bags of grains and several shelters were destroyed during the attacks.
“The recent attacks on Fulani people, some of which were allegedly carried out by persons wearing the state government-approved vigilante uniform, are very worrisome,” Garba stated.
He also raised alarm over reports that local vigilantes conducting stop-and-search operations on the Omu-Aran road had arrested five Fulani men and handed them over to security agencies, but that the men have since gone missing without a trace.
The MACBAN chairman appealed to the Kwara State government to ensure fairness and justice by compensating Fulani victims for their losses, just as it had done for other affected groups in the state.
“We are calling on the government to urgently look into these cases and ensure that the Fulani community is treated equally. Justice must be done to all, irrespective of tribe or background,” Garba emphasized.
He further urged security agencies to investigate the whereabouts of the missing Fulani individuals and bring those responsible for their disappearance to justice.
