The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has congratulated Senate President Ahmed Lawan on his investiture as “Champion of Peste Des Petit Ruminants ( PPR) in Nigeria.
A statement by the National President of MACBAN Bala Usman Ngelzarma said: “This recognition accorded you is an indication of your resolve to address the challenges confronting pastoralism in the country. It is indeed our collective recognition.”
MACBAN noted with his ” encouraging speech highlighting the total neglect of the livestock subsector in the Nigeria. We now find you to be the voice of the voiceless Pastoralists in Nigeria who over the years have suffered countless loses without compensation or support from the Government or anywhere else.”
The body lamented the neglect of the livestock sub-sector, which it said is worth trillions of, contributing about 29% to Nigeria’s GDP.
They expressed assurance that the National Assembly under Lawan will look into the lack of support that pastoralists have faced and the poor budgeting that has stunted the livestock sector from growth and working effectively.
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According to the association, “in the last eight years, over 10,000 pastoralist were killed and over two million families displaced as a result of banditry, Cattle rustling, kidnapping and general insecurity in the country.
“The continuing violence against pastoralists in Taraba and Plateau States in the full glare of security agencies is not only condemnable but is totally unacceptable.
“We urge the security agencies in the country to take drastic measures against acts of wanton killings by members of the Vigilante and other ethnic militias against Pastoralists in the two states especially and anywhere else where public peace is threatened.
“With a projected population of about 16 million registered voters, pastoralists are a voice to be reckoned with in deciding who lead this great country for the betterment of all.
“While congratulating you for this recognition, it is our prayers that you shouldn’t be deterred nor distracted in pursuing the right policies for the livestock sub-sector in the country.”