The Northern States Governors Forum has urged Fulani associations to expose perpetrators of evil 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 banner of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, as well as other Fulani groups in Abuja, on Thursday.
Chairman of the Forum and Niger State Governor, Dr, Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, who read the two paged communique, decried 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 reads in part: “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 communique, it was resolved that member states should hold meetings with relevant stakeholders in the respective states with a view to ensuring lasting peace.
Member states were also admonished to explore the potentials of various groups and use every means available at their disposal to implement recommendations capable of resolving the problem.
The Forum’s meeting also discussed a proposed meeting with investors from the United States scheduled for May 10, 2014.
