The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has rejected allegations linking Fulani herders to the recent surge in kidnapping across Ondo State, insisting that individuals from different ethnic groups are involved in the criminal activities.
The association made the clarification on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting convened by Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in Akure, the state capital.
The meeting followed protests by residents of Akure North Local Government Area over a wave of kidnappings in their communities that reportedly led to deaths and the payment of ransom.
During the protest, angry residents blocked the busy Akure-Owo Expressway, leaving commuters and travellers stranded for hours.
The demonstration was triggered by the abduction of five persons in separate attacks by suspected bandits within a 24-hour period. One of the victims was reportedly killed in Ilu Abo community.
Addressing stakeholders at the meeting, Governor Aiyedatiwa warned that the state government would intensify efforts to track down kidnappers and anyone aiding or financing criminal activities.
He declared that individuals found supporting or sponsoring criminals would face the full weight of the law.
“If investigations traced any criminal activity to anyone, whether they have legitimate business or not, they will be treated like criminals. No godfather, sponsor or collaborator will be spared,” the governor warned.
Aiyedatiwa further disclosed that intelligence reports suggested that some criminal elements fleeing security crackdowns in neighbouring states such as Kwara and Kogi might be attempting to infiltrate Ondo State.
According to him, some of the suspects reportedly exploit cattle herding routes to move across territories, sometimes using cattle as cover while travelling at night.
While acknowledging that cattle rearing and trading remain legitimate economic activities, the governor said the state government would work closely with herders’ associations to identify criminal elements hiding within the system.
“We know many of you are doing legitimate businesses, but there are some who rustle cattle or use cattle as shields to move into territories. You are the ones who can identify them,” he said.
He warned that if cooperation from herders failed, security agencies might intensify enforcement operations, a move that could also affect innocent herders and their livestock.
The governor therefore urged leaders of MACBAN to provide intelligence that would assist security agencies in identifying criminals operating within forest areas and grazing corridors.
“As long as I remain governor, anybody can live freely in any part of the country, including Ondo State. But when you are here, obey the law of the land and conduct your business within the ambit of the law,” he added.
Aiyedatiwa also revealed that the state government was considering requests from Fulani communities to establish vigilante groups among their members to support security operations. However, he noted that any such initiative would require approval and supervision by security agencies.
Speaking on behalf of Fulani leaders in the state, the Ondo State Chairman of MACBAN, Ali Maunde, acknowledged the security challenges but insisted that Fulani herders should not be singled out as the perpetrators.
He said the association had been collaborating with security agencies to address insecurity and eliminate criminal elements within Fulani communities.
“There are many people behind these crimes, not just Fulani alone. But we, as representatives of the Fulani, are working day and night to eradicate bad elements among us,” Maunde said.
He added that MACBAN plans to engage Fulani communities across Ondo State and strengthen collaboration with security agencies at the local government level to identify and flush out criminal elements.
Maunde also proposed the creation of Fulani vigilante groups made up of herders who are familiar with forests and grazing routes to assist security agencies in tracking down criminals.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, Bola Taiwo, said the meeting was convened to allow Fulani leaders brief the government on the steps being taken to address insecurity in the state.
The governor’s response was one of the key demands of the Akure North protesters, who had called on the state government to urgently tackle the rising wave of kidnappings to prevent further abductions and killings.
Analysts believe that the government’s decision to open dialogue with MACBAN could help authorities obtain critical intelligence needed to identify and arrest kidnappers operating in the state.
However, some observers remain sceptical about the effectiveness of the move, arguing that the association may be reluctant to expose members allegedly involved in criminal activities.
