Macban warn that it could ask it members to leave Nigeria which would paralyse the economy

FULANI herdsmen's association the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (Macban) has warned that Nigeria's economy would collapse if his members were forced out of the country by the ongoing attitude towards them.

Over recent years, Fulani cattle herdsmen have become a contentious group of people due to their constant clashes with farming communities that has left thousands dead. Heavily armed herdsmen have been known to attack farming villages in brutal attacks, leading to increased calls for firm government action against them.

Macban president Alhaji Bello Abdullahi Bodejo, has warned that if pushed to the wall by the lackadaisical attitude of governments towards their plights, despite their huge contribution to the economy of the nation, the herdsmen may leave Nigeria. He added that so far, they are watching the situation and have not even endorsed any presidential candidate in next year's elections.

Alhaji Bodejo said: “If we direct our members to move out of the country, I can assure you that the economy of this country will collapse.”

According to Alhaji Bodejo, Macban did not hesitate to choose former president Dr Goodluck Jonathan over Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 because they were in love with the Bayelsa-born politician. He added that for now, they are yet to hear either from Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on their plans for the Fulani people.

“On the issue of endorsement, my visit to Sokoto is part of our nationwide consultation with our members to review each state disposition to our cause and plights and sensitise them ahead of our decision to endorse a preferred candidate that would be based on our aggregate opinion. My visit to Sokoto has also enabled me to interact with the chairman and members of Macban, I heard their problems and challenges and got first hand information on what the state government is doing for the benefits of the Fulani race.

"The reason we are yet to endorse anyone between the two leading candidates is that we are yet to see or hear from any of them, their plans and programmes for the Fulani. “Let me emphasize here, Fulani people don’t double-deal, which is why we endorsed Jonathan," Alhaji Bodejo added.