The Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II, has implored Nigerians to view Fulanis as law-abiding citizens, and not criminals. He said the Fulanis, like every other Nigerian, respect constituted authority and are not terrorists as perceived by the majority of Nigerians now.
Speaking at the weekend in Minna, Sanusi urged Nigerians to avoid ethnic profiling whenever a crime is committed by persons of certain tribe saying criminals have no tribal marks. He also urged Fulani herdsmen to not react violently in the face of provocation.
The Emir was speaking at a meeting of the national executive council of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN). The meeting also had Lamido of Adamawa, Muhammadu Barkindo Musdafa, Professor Ango Abdullahi, Dr Aliyu Tilde and other stakeholders in attendance.
Also in attendance were the leadership of various Fulani socio-cultural groups including the Gan Allah Fulani Development Association. The meeting was called to discuss lasting solutions to the recurrent farmers-herdsmen clashes.
In his contribution, MACBAN NEC zonal chairman, Alhaji Gidado Siddiki, “Conflict between herdsmen and farmers has a long history; the solution has been to engage all stakeholders to find an amicable of resolving such”.
He urged state governors to emulate the actions of the governors of Anambra and Enugu states, Governors Willie Obiano and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who he said have effectively stopped the clashes.
