Former FCT Chairman, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, Mohammad Oroji, has decried how herdsmen/farmers’ clashes has now turned into politics, saying that some evil people are benefiting from it for their selfish interests.
Mr Oroji, who said this on Sunday in Kaduna while addressing newsmen, called on Nigerians to stop politicising the issue and allow government to address the issue properly.
He said it was a misnomer and outright selfish for anybody to deny the herdsmen the right to freedom of movement as guaranteed by the Constitution, just as it was evil and unacceptable for anyone to kill.
“The crisis of herdsmen and farmers is not true but politics, both have related peacefully for over 500 years in Nigeria together.
“The government should take firm decision in addressing the problem; people should stop taking laws into their hands.
“Anyone that starts any form of killings, the law should take its course no matter how highly placed or from whichever tribe he comes.
“No one has the right to kill any person, just as nobody has the right to stop rearing animals and stop farming, because we are all Nigerians.
“Nigeria is a country of all Nigerians, so no one should be molested; rearing of livestock and farming are all business.’’
Mr Oroji therefore urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to take firm decision in addressing the crisis.
“I call on the Federal Government and National Assembly to take a firm decision to address the issue for peace and progress of Nigeria.
“If those who are involved in these atrocities are prosecuted, all the nonsense would stop. It is the only way to address the problem,’’ he said.
NAN
