Herders discover new animal, human disease
The national leadership of the MiyettiAllah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) says there is an outbreak of a communicable animal disease which could be transferred to human beings, and is calling for urgent government intervention.
The group said in a communiqué issued at the end of a meeting of its National Executive Council and chairmen of state chapters that the disease has already affected many people, especially in Nasarawa State.
“We seek urgent assistance from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture (FMAG) on cases of animal communicable diseases affecting human beings reported in Nasarawa State. We request for intervention from government for the provision of animal feeds across the country,” the group said in the communiqué signed by its National Secretary, Alhaji Baba Usman Ngelzarma.
MACBAN said they would embark on massive registration of members nationwide with the provision of membership cards for identification and security reasons and reaffirmed its desire to work closely with the sultan of Sokoto, the board of trustees and patrons to move the association forward.
“We reaffirm our desire to work closely with the 19 northern states governors and subsequently with the 36 state governors on the need to resolve farmers/grazers conflicts, cattle rustling, armed bandits, cattle routes and grazing reserves. We thank SOKAPU for the solidarity visit and goodwill message delivered by its president, Dr. Ephraim Goje, for peaceful coexistence between Fulanis and other tribes in southern Kaduna,” MACBAN said in the communiqué.
They frowned at the activities of vigilante groups which are targeting herders and called for their abolition and urged the Inspector General of Police to come to the rescue of cattle rearers in Kogi State who are being kidnapped with ransom being demanded for their release.
“While we commend Niger state Government for the establishment of farmers/ herders dispute resolution committee, organizing the forthcoming Fulani summit as well as other political patronage enjoyed by the Fulanis in the state, we call for the revamping and aggressive pursuits in nomadic education in Nigeria,” the communiqué added.