Southwest Governors will today, January 25 meet with leaders of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Akure, Ondo state over an eviction notice issued to herders by the State government to leave forest reserves, it has emerged.
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu recently ordered herdsmen to vacate the forests within seven days due to the rising cases of banditry and kidnapping in the state.
The governor said ‘bad elements’ have turned the forests to their hideouts, where they keep their kidnapped victims and negotiate ransoms.
Though, a 7-day ultimatum that Akeredolu gave herders to leave forest reserves in the state expires today, National President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Bodejo has insisted that all lands in Nigeria belong to the Fulani ethnic group and that nobody can chase herdsmen away from the forest reserves in Ondo state.
Bodejo expressed Fulani herdsmenhave been in the areas for over 250 years, adding that nobody has the power to chase them out of the forests.
He said the herders won’t obey the governor, saying Akeredolu should govern every ethnic groups in the state because Fulani community in the state also voted for him.
The meeting between the governors and Miyetti Allah is now aimed at discussing the ultimatum and is also expected to help find a lasting solution to the repeated clashes between herders and farmers in relation to killings and kidnappings in the six Southwest states.
The six governors include Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Gboyega Oyetola of Osun and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos.
Chief Press Secretary to governor Oyetola, Ismail Omipidan confirmed that “truly, the meeting would hold on Monday in Akure.”
Last week, there was a similar ultimatum issued on herders in Oyo State by a youth leader, Sunday Igboho, which had generated controversy after houses and properties were burnt on Friday.
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Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has, however, ordered investigation into the events in Oyo State and called for calm among youths and herders.
I take this to be a step in the right direction. Meanwhile, I really hope the resolutions will be in the interest of the people.