The attention of many Nigerian citizens within and outside the country has been drawn to the sensitive clash between Hausa/Fulanis and the Yorubas in Igbangan in Oyo state.
Notable in the heat of these confrontations, as reported by news sources, is the name Sunday Igboho who had been at the forefront of this land tussle, spearheading the campaign and fight against the Fulani invasions of their land.
Meanwhile Adamu Garba, a former presidential aspirant has reacted to the ongoing rift between Sunday Igboho, his supporters and the Fulani residing in Igbangan, Oyo State.
News outlet DAILY POST had earlier revealed that the Yoruba activist, Sunday Igboho, made real his threat to expel the Fulani from Igangan in Oyo State.
According to Igboho he disclosed that he acted authoritatively on the instructions and request of traditional rulers within the territory
Reacting, however to the current situation in a tweet via his Twitter handle, on Monday 25, January, Adamu Garba said objectively in his opinion that though he is a Fulani man, he was totally against the idea of allowing cows to roam the streets in 2021.
He went further to advise the federal government to wade into the ongoing dispute before it degenerates to a national crisis. He also asked that the federal government should apply caution and objectivity in handling the situation adding that it is possible by law, for land to be leased or rented as well as purchased,
“I’m a Fulani man, but it actually doesn’t make sense for cows to be roaming the streets in 2021. Cows should be ranched on a land acquired or rented by the ranchers. Also, by law land can only be used through rent or purchase.
According to his words;
“I believe, to reconcile the raging herders crisis is to open proper communication where each knows the laws of the land. All lands in Nigeria, including forests belongs to some entity, FG, SGs, LGs, Companies or individuals. Thus no land can be used without proper authorization.
“The problem of the Fulani herders is a betrayal from the city Fulani, who decided, after moving to cities, acquiring wealth & power, but failed to carry the village brothers along, leaving them in a desperate situation.
“I would advise that the rich Fulanis should come together and acquire ranching lands while government step forward and dissolve this dispute.
“No state power can give land to anyone where the land is been identified with owners for generations, without purchasing or renting.
“Lastly, lack of proper communication to the herders in understanding the law of land use, by bringing the surrounding communities onboard isn’t good enough.
“It can as well be a breeding ground for conflicts and a very ripe situation for civil war. This must however be avoided AT ALL COST,” he said.
Meanwhile there are other similar reports and complaints arising from many regions within the nation as a result of the activities and carelessness involved in open grazing by these said Fulani herdsmen.
In fact many have come to the conclusion that the impunity with which minority these herders operate, could be attributed to the seeming fact of some form of federal backing by some persons in position of leadership.
It is therefore imperative in the opinions of many concerned citizens, and in the view of the general public for the federal government to address these persistent anomalies before it spiral out of control as its seem to be the case in most regions already.
Gift Joseph Okpakorese
Staff Writer
