TheCable

Walid Jibrin, board of trustees chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), says the formation of herdsmen vigilante groups in the south-east will aggravate the crisis between farmers and herdsmen.

At a press briefing in Kaduna on Tuesday, the elder statesman kicked against the proposal by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) to set up Fulani youth vigilante groups in the south-east to check the high rate of crime.

Jibrin said instead of forming vigilante groups, all the existing Fulani associations should come together for a peace conference and discuss in-depth, the herdsmen-farmers crisis with a view to find lasting solutions to the problems.

He said steps must be taken to avoid “escalating an already bad situation which calls for continued dialogue to bring sanity among the herdsmen and various communities in Nigeria”.

“The dialogue should involve the whole states in Nigeria. The federal government must also come in immediately to end this feud,” he said.

“The peace conference should be devoid of any personal, political and tribal interest. In my view forming the herdsmen vigilante group in the south will only aggravate the situation instead of solving it.”

Jibrin said the dialogue should be presented to emirs and elders under the leadership of the sultan of Sokoto, who should invite all the governors to discuss the issues raised.

He said discussions should be focused on “grazing, special cattle routes and how Fulani elders and elite should assist in solving the problems among others”.

“I urge all Fulani leaders and elders to come out and help in solving these problems,” he said.

“May I also call on all the governors in the south-east and other states in the south to remain calm as all efforts are on to solve this problems. Our relationship with Igbo and other tribes in the south should remain cordial by trying hard to avoid the situation of Boko Haram.

“While I was in Imo and Abia states, I seized the opportunity to address Hausa and Fulani communities in the states.

“All politicians must come together by burying their differences in solving the security matter in Nigeria. By the grace of God we shall come out of this problem.”