The Conference of Autochthonous Ethnic Nationalities of Central and Northern Nigeria (CONAECDA) has voiced its apprehensions regarding the recent submission of a committee report by the Kano state government aimed at addressing farmer-herder conflicts. In a press release issued by the Media and Public Relations Officer, Anita Mallum, at the CONAECDA National Secretariat, the organisation highlighted various points of contention.
The statement began by acknowledging the reports in several media outlets, including the National Television Authority (NTA), BluePrint newspaper, The Guardian newspaper, and The Nation newspaper, which detailed the presentation of the committee’s findings to the federal government. These reports followed earlier statements attributed to the Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, regarding the establishment of ranches and livestock production centres, which had raised concerns among various communities.
CONAECDA expressed surprise that the committee, led by the former Governor of Kano State and current APC National Chairman, chose to submit its findings to the federal government instead of the current Governor of Kano State. The organisation raised concerns about the committee’s composition, stating that it primarily comprised individuals closely associated with one side of the conflict (herders) and hailed from a state that had not been significantly affected by the clashes.
The organisation went on to criticise the government’s handling of the “Herders and Farmers Clashes,” asserting that government involvement in land allocation for exclusive use by any ethnic group posed problems. CONAECDA reiterated its opposition to the creation of exclusive ethnic areas within the ancestral lands of any autochthonous ethnic nationality.
While withholding comments on the report’s content submitted to the president, CONAECDA called on the president to exercise caution when considering recommendations from a committee not directly appointed by him or a previous federal government. The organisation cautioned that the consequences of such actions might not be favourable in the future.
The statement reiterated communities’ rights to reject any occupation or acquisition of their ancestral land, urging them to be cautious when selling or allocating land for private or public projects without clear guarantees of their indigenous rights to perpetual ownership.
CONAECDA also called on the federal and state governments to avoid perpetuating a culture of separate treatment for Nigerians, emphasising that livestock production was not exclusive to the Fulani community. The organisation recommended the creation of a Ministry of Livestock with a broader focus rather than one designed as a herders-focused ministry.
Regarding the president’s decision to establish a committee to address herder and farmer clashes, CONAECDA urged the government to avoid repeating past mistakes, including the allocation of land for herders through government machinery. The organisation stressed the importance of sincere and honest dialogue between communities, government, and herders as a means of resolving the challenges faced by herders.
CONAECDA expressed doubt regarding the readiness of Fulani herder leaders for dialogue, citing one-sided activism as a concern. The organisation affirmed its commitment to peace but stressed that it should not come at any cost.
The statement concluded by urging the government to explore the use of fencing as a practical solution, as employed in resolving similar conflicts worldwide. Additionally, it called on Fulani herders to acquire private lands in communities where they coexist peacefully and develop private ranches. The organisation appealed to the government to prioritise the provision of extension services and security for all Nigerians over attempts to appease criminals and terrorists under the guise of addressing Fulani herders’ challenges.
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