Herders death: Pastoralists seek apology from govt, others

• Published date: 01 February 2023
• Publication title: Nigeria - The Nation

The Coalition of Pastoralists Association (CPAN), yesterday demanded an immediate admittance of responsibility by the Nigerian military and an apology from the federal government over the recent killing of over 30 Fulani herders, 15 Hausa drivers and truck boys while offloading trucks of cattle at Akwanaja village of Rukubi Ward, Doma LGA of Nasarawa State.

According to the coalition, before the incident, 'Benue State Livestock Guards' had raided and confisticated 1,254 cows at Rukubi, Nasarawa-Benue border communities in Doma LGA of Nasarawa State.

The coalition also demanded an immediate proscription, disbandment, arrest and prosecution of leaders and members of the Benue State Livestock Guard.

Addressing journalists on behalf of the Coalition, the National President of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Baba Othman Ngelzarma, noted that the guards insisted that the herders should pay hefty penalties running to millions.

He stated that a negotiated ransom of twenty-seven million naira (N27,000,000) was agreed between the Fulani owners of the confiscated cattle and Benue State government.

He added that the herders obtained a loan from commercial banks to pay the ransom.

Presenting their demand, he said they should be a provision and guarantee of immediate security to all innocent law-abiding Fulbe citizens living in parts of Benue and all its neighboring States.

He said: 'The empaneling of an independent judicial commission of enquiry to identify, investigate, arrest and prosecute all individuals and entities involved in the murder...