The National President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Alhaji Bello Abdullahi Bodejo, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the Ministry of Livestock Development, and called for the opening of all grazing reserves across the country.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to the report by The Sun Newspaper on Saturday, Bodejo was asked that those who are opposed to the new ministry are concerned that the ministry will bring in Fulanis from other countries like Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Cameroun into Nigeria, and that may lead to more conflicts in Nigeria.
In response to that, Bodejo said that a Fulani is a Fulani everywhere and should not be denied entry into Nigeria if they are not criminals.
He distinguished between law-abiding Fulanis and criminal elements, adding that the Fulanis should be allowed into Nigeria as long as they are criminals.
Bodejo explained that Fulani people are migrants who move in search of grazing land and water, and that providing designated areas for them would solve the Fulani problem within a year.
He said that no matter the level of security, a Fulani herder cannot be tied down to a place without grasses and water.
He said, “A Fulani is a Fulani everywhere. If you think that a Fulani man from Nigeria is different from a Fulani from Mali, Cameroun, Futa Jalon, Senegal, etc, you are deceiving yourself. What I want Nigerians to understand is that Fulanis who are bandits or carrying weapons are criminals and they shouldn’t be allowed to cross our borders to enter into our country.”
Speaking further, he said that due to the insecurity challenges in the country, Nigerians are leaving the country to other countries like Chad, Niger, Cameroun and others, and may likely remain there for several years. He said that they are not being prevented from migrating to those countries.
He added, “In the same manner, you can’t deny other Fulanis from other countries from coming into Nigeria so long as they are not carrying weapons or they are not criminals. Fulani people are migrants; they move from here to there.”
The Miyetti Allah leader’s comments came as the government continues to face criticism over the potential implications of the Ministry of Livestock Development and grazing reserves.
While some view it as a move to favour herders from a section of the country, Bodejo believes it will promote peace and reduce conflicts between herders and farmers