Anambra cleric, Pastor Jerry Nwachukwu has called on Nigerians to reject recent demand by Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) to set-up vigilante outfit in 36 states of the Nigerian federation.
The MACBAN, in a recent broadcast, came up with the opinion of setting up vigilante outfits in various states as a way of cooperating with security agencies to flush out criminals attacking herdsmen in the bush.
The request came barely a month after the group had announced sudden disappearance of its National Vice President, Engr Munnir Lamido, who they said, left his Kastina residence on June 23, 2023, and has not returned.
Speaking yesterday, Nwachukwu, Founder and Senior Pastor of the Bible Base Miracle Assembly, Nkpor Agu, Idemili North local government area of the state, called on Nigerians to rise up against such move, describing the demand as subtle way of re-introducing the Rural Grazing Areas (RUGA) Bill rejected under President Mohammadu Buhari.
He said, “Alllowing Fulani herdsmen in the name of MACBAN to form vigilante in Nigeria’s rural communities is unacceptable. It is another way of systematically re-introducing the previously rejected RUGA Bill.
“In the Southwest, they have Amotekun; in the Southeast, they have Ebube-Agu as their respective security outfits. So, others should have security outfits peculiar to them. For me, Fulani should have their own security outfit where they have their own lands and cattle.
“Southeast stakeholders, especially traditional rulers, town union leaders and the political leadership should not allow Fulani herdsmen set-up security outfits in their domains. National Assembly and Civil Society Organizations should stand against it.
Expressing fears that the demand might be another move to Islamize the entire Nigeria, the Cleric warned that what is currently happening in Benue and Plateau States, in terms of herders/farmers clash would spread all over the country if the move was not nibbed in the bud.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us – it is our common patrimony. Fulani is just part of over 200 ethnic nationalities. So, they must not be allowed to trample on our sensibilities as a people,” he concluded.
