Bello Gotomo, National Secretary-General of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), says a presidential directive should be given to security agencies to ensure effective security for pastoralists across the country.
Gotomo made the demand in a statement on Thursday.
He also asked the Federal Government to end all forms of alleged discriminatory practices against pastoralists in the country.
According to him, the office of the National Security Adviser needs to implement concrete measures to address the alleged ethnic profiling, stigmatisation and scapegoating of pastoralists across the country.
“The Nigerian government must ensure accountability, justice and protection for all citizens regardless of ethnicity.”
MACBAN wants President Bola Tinubu to issue a “presidential directive to all security agencies to provide effective protection to pastoralist communities across the country and to end discriminatory practices.”
Gotomo said there have been alleged unlawful arrest, inhuman treatment and profiling of some herdsmen at Opere Market in Kabba LGA.
“Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria calls on the federal government, the National Human Rights Commission and the international community to urgently intervene,” said the statement.
Herdsmen have been accused of engaging in violence and kidnapping, as well as destroying farmlands in Ondo and other states.
