By Our Reporter, Lafia
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has called on its members in Benue and Nasarawa states to settle all ongoing disputes with farmers in both states in line with President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to end the farmers and herders crisis in the area.
The National President of MACBAN, Baba Othman Ngelzarma made the call in Lafia, during a meeting with stakeholders and members of the association from the two states.
He explained that a peace dialogue meeting was convened to plead with MACBAN members to share their thoughts with open minds, bearing in mind that two wrongs cannot make a right.
He noted that the painful and tragic loss of lives and livelihoods due to the prolonged conflicts between farmers and herders in some parts of Benue and Nasarawa states was a heartbreaking reality facing the Northern part of Nigeria.
Ngelzarma said MACBAN recognised the importance of peaceful coexistence for the survival and progress of its members, therefore herders in Nasarawa and Benue States must be at the forefront of peace advocacy.
He further commended the efforts of the Federal, State, Local governments, and civil society organisations for their unwavering efforts in resolving tensions in both states in recent times.
“We must disown and isolate every element within our ranks that promotes confrontation or criminality. Conflicts over land, water, and grazing have become far too frequent, and the consequences are too dire to ignore. It is time to change our approach.
“Let me make it clear, violence is not a solution, retaliation is not justice, we must now embrace dialogue, empathy, and mutual understanding. Our pastoral way of life can only thrive if we live in peace with our neighbors.
“In this regard, I urge our members in both Benue and Nasarawa States, and the whole country to actively engage with peace-building initiatives,” he said.
He called on the traditional rulers as the custodians of values and cultures to rise and play a more assertive role in facilitating dialogue and reconciliation in both states.
“These leaders must serve as bridges between communities and as beacons of wisdom and unity.
“We must also involve the youth, who often become pawns in cycles of violence, Let us engage them as peace ambassadors, empowering them with knowledge, skills, and opportunities for constructive livelihoods.
“An idle and aggrieved youth population is a breeding ground for chaos. But a youth population included in peace processes can become our greatest asset,” he added
Ngelzarma, while thanking President Bola Tinubu for his courageous and compassionate decision to visit the disputed states of Benue, Nasarawa, and Plateau, assured that going forward, MACBAN members would prioritise peace-building and national cohesion.
“Mr President’s presence among the victims of these unfortunate crises has rekindled hope. It has reminded us that this nation belongs to all of us farmers, herders, settlers, indigene, and all ethnic and religious groups, and that none of us should be left behind in the pursuit of peace and prosperity.
“To our brothers and sisters in the farming communities, we say this: we need you, and you need us. Agriculture and livestock are two sides of the same coin. One cannot thrive without the other. Let us talk. Let us forgive. Let us plan together,” he pleaded.
The peace dialogue had in attendance the State Chairmen of MACBAN in Nasarawa and Benue States; representatives of the various security agencies in both states, Fulani leaders, youth groups from rural communities, among others.
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