By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The National President of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) said Fulanis are not criminals but at the receiving end of Banditry in Nigeria

He made the assertion at the National Security Conference 2024, with the theme, “National Security and Development”, organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists and National Star newspapers on Thursday, February 22, 2024 in Abuja.

He said Fulanis owned 95 percent of the cattle being rustled across the country.

His words:

“Fulanis are at the receiving end of banditry in Nigeria.

“They (Fulanis) owned 95% of the cattle being rustled.

“They (Fulanis) have being victims of kidnap more than others but not reported by the media because they are in the forest.

“Media are only reporting cases in the urban areas, they are not aware of happenings in the forest

“They (Fulanis)are now poor because they sold their cattle to pay ransom.

“Media is key to security so they

Need to improve in their reportage.

“Let the media be fair, balance and professional in reporting banditry and insecurity.

“Next to security is the media. They have a very important role to play in ensuring the security and economic development in Nigeria.

“There are two Miyetti Allah associations Miyatti Allah cattles breeders Association, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore. Let the media and the public know the difference”.

In his opening remarks, President of the NUJ Dr Chris Isiguzo MFR said indeed Nigeria is faced with a daunting array of security threats, ranging from armed banditry and insurgency to kidnapping, ritual killings, secessionist agitation, and the perennial farmer/herders challenge.

According to him, these issues not only undermine the fabric of our society but also pose a grave threat to our collective peace, stability, and prosperity.

“The time for action is now, and the responsibility falls upon all of us to rise to the occasion.

“As members of the media, we recognize our role as agenda setters and watchdogs of society.

“We have a duty to shine a spotlight on the root causes of insecurity, to hold the powers that be accountable, and to advocate for meaningful change.

“This conference serves as a testament to our commitment to fulfilling this duty and finding lasting solutions to the security challenges that confront us”, he stated.

Among dignitaries in attendance are representatives of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Sen George Akume, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, Minister of the FCT Nyeson Wike, former IGP and Chairman , Police Service Commission and the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC), Dauda Ali Biu.