- Asks Buhari’s Govt To Embrace Cattle Ranching
- Cautions Against Mass Eviction Notice
By Abiola Olawale
Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar has weighed in on the security situation in the country, warning that the same scenario that led the country to the 1967 civil war is already staring Nigerians in the face.
Following ongoing security crisis, ranging from reported cases of killings, raping, herdsmen invasion, kidnapping, banditry, among other crimes across the country, Abubakar, who ruled the country between 1998 and 1999 before returning the country back to democratic path, said the Nigerian government needs to act swiftly to prevent another outburst of domestic war in Africa’s most populous country.
Abubakar, in an interview with Arise TV on state of the nation, Thursday, said the President Muhammadu Buhari’s government should be more proactive in addressing ethnic tension in the country, including the recent feud between Yorubas and Fulanis, as some individuals in the affected communities are now taking laws into their hands in their bid to address the disturbing concerns outside of the recognized state’s apparatus.
The Nigerian statesman who chairs the National Peace Committee noted that the farmers-herders’ controversies will continue to raise dust in the country, until the government fully embrace ranching by putting facilities in place to put an end to the incessant clashes between farmers and herdsmen, especially in the southern part of Nigeria where cattle and their owners are now thronging in search of greenery.
In his words, “Many clashes between farmers and herders have been reported across the globe, in the past. I think Nigeria should study what other countries have done to stop the clashes, and implement it so we can put an end to this problem. Speaking also on what Government should do, they can provide necessary facilities, such as lands for ranching and farming, water, veterinary hospitals, buildings schools for children. Providing these facilities will help in reducing the clashes between farmers and herders. Also, the government should place restrictions on the possession of small ammunitions.”
The former Head of State said state Governors across the country also need to watch their rethorics in the fight against insecurity in their respective states.
Abubakar cautioned against action that may lead to mass eviction of residents from different parts of the country which is reminiscent of the development that preceeded the regrettable 1967 civil war that rocked the nation to its foundations.
He said the governors must ensure the security of lives and properties of residents in their states and punish offence committed in communities regardless of the offender’s tribe or creed.
Abubakar said: “The Governors have found themselves in a difficult situation. However, it is their business to secure the lives and properties of everyone living in their state. God forbid that the quit notice issued to the fulani herders in South West takes us back to 1967. The Governors must ensure that their is law and order in their state. They must always watch their utterances. They should not say anything that will be misinterpreted. Certainly, if someone commits a crime, the person should be arrested and prosecuted regardless of the tribe of such person.”
Speaking also on the need for harmony between Nigerians to co-exist peacefully, the former Nigerian leader said government and NGOs have a huge role in sensitizing the citizens.
In his words, “It is unfortunate that we are refusing to learn from our past mistakes. The leaders and the followers all have a role to play in the security situation of this country. Also, we need to start teaching harmony in schools. For how long will Nigerians keep fighting themselves? There is a need to revive sensitization on the consequences of fighting each other. NGOs, also have a huge role to play in sensitizing the citizens on how to co-exist peacefully. We need to start leaving in harmony to avoid a repeat of what happened in 1967”
