The Northern Governors Forum has urged Fulani associations to expose deviants in their midst and encourage educational pursuit among their wards, to end incessant clashes with farmers. This was part of a communique issued at the end of a closed door meeting with Fulani herdsmen under the aegis of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association as well as other Fulani groups in Abuja, on Thursday.
Chairman of the NGF and Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu, who read the two paged communique lamented the alarming rate of insecurity in the region characterised by sporadic killing of law abiding citizens by bandits camouflaging as herdsmen. He reiterated the resolve of northern state governors to ensure the protection of lives and property of citizens at all levels as a constitutional responsibility. The communique partly read: “He also called on Fulani associations to help in exposing deviants in their midst and encourage their wards in their educational pursuit.
“The Forum expressed immense gratitude to the Federal Government for drawing up an action plan (Short, Medium and Long term) to address the issues of grazing reserves, cattle routes as well as provision of amenities in their settlements to encourage transition to intensive sedentary system of livestock production where pasture is sown and harvested.” According to the document, it was also resolved that member states hold meetings with relevant stakeholders in their respective states with a view to searching for lasting peace.
Member states were also encouraged to explore the potentials of various groups and use every means available at their disposal to implement recommendations capable of ameliorating the problem. The meeting also discussed a proposed meeting with investors from the United States scheduled for May 10, 2014.