The Oyo State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has staged a protest yesterday, alleging marginalization and injustice by state authorities against Fulani herders. Led by Serkin Fulani of Oyo State, Alhaji Yakubu Bello, and liaison officer Adam Abdukadir, the group voiced concerns over the “illegal detention” of their members and their exclusion from the state’s Rule of Law Enforcement Agency, okaynews.com reports.
Alhaji Bello, speaking to journalists in Ibadan, expressed deep worry about the continued detention of several herders, claiming they were unjustly arrested under the state’s anti-grazing law without a fair hearing. While stating they are not against the law itself, MACBAN insisted it is being unfairly used to target their members, who they maintain are peace-loving and desire harmonious coexistence with host communities.
The association also criticized their exclusion from the state’s security and law enforcement frameworks, arguing that their inclusion would provide valuable insights, especially in rural areas where many herders reside. They called for urgent intervention from the state government, traditional rulers, and civil society organizations to ensure fairness and justice in the enforcement of the grazing law.
MACBAN emphasized their commitment to peace and security in Oyo State, stressing their desire for peaceful coexistence and the importance of their voices being heard as critical stakeholders. The protest highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the enforcement of the 2019 anti-grazing law, which aims to curb farmer-herder conflicts in the region.
