No fewer than 23 Fulani herdsmen were killed and 20 houses burnt in the recent crisis in Ogun state, Sarkin Fulani of Abeokuta, Muhammad Kabir Labar, has said.
He said this on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting on farmers and herdsmen’s clashes in the state.
Those present at the event were Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, Zamfara State Governor Bello Matawale, Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu and Niger State Governor Abubakar Sanni Bello.
Labar said some individuals and groups whip up ethnic sentiment and set people against the Fulani herdsmen in the state.
National President, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Muhammad Kirowa, said herders are not trouble makers, but victims of the attacks.
“Our people suffered more in the hands of criminals in Nigeria. But we have been portrayed as criminals. Herders deserve sympathy. They’re not criminals,” he said.
Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State said only a ban on itinerary herders and open grazing would end the crisis and guarantee peace between farmers and herders in the Southwest.
