Apex herders organization in NIgeria, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, yesterday accused Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State of fueling the violent confrontations between the Fulani herdsmen and the Tiv through his public statements.
The Chairman of Bauchi State MACBAN, Sadiq Ibrahim, said that Ondo, Ekiti and Benue states are anti-herder states and as such should be cautioned by President Muhammadu Buhari.
He also added that the herders will have no other option than to protect themselves if the government does not protect them.
Read also: Ortom accuses Bala Mohammed of being ‘a terrorist, terrorizing Nigeria’
According to Chairman, “The current problem of the Fulani was authored by Ortom. In recent times, Bauchi State Governor tactically called for protection of herdsmen because he understands the sufferings of herders in the country. Benue governor was first to ask Fulani herders to leave his state. Prior to Ortom’s election, the Tiv people were our playmates.
“I stand to be corrected; Terwase Garase (alias Gana) was one of the sponsors of terrorism who caused a lot of crises in Benue State and neighbouring states. He even caused the death of many people but these deaths were blamed on Fulani. When Gana died in a battle with the army, Ortom queried why Gana was killed.
“Benue, Ekiti and Ondo states are no longer safe for Fulani. We urge President Buhari to call the governors of these states to order. If the government does not protect us, we will have no option than to protect ourselves. We will also ask our members to stop transporting our foodstuff to these parts of Nigeria if our members are not protected.”
