Leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Oyo State have staged a protest, decrying what they describe as the illegal arrest and detention of their members, as well as their exclusion from the state’s law enforcement framework.
The protest, which took place yesterday, was led by the Serkin Fulani of Oyo State, Alhaji Yakubu Bello. He was joined by the association’s Liaison Officer, Adam Abdukadir, as they addressed journalists and raised concerns over the treatment of Fulani herders in the state.
According to them, several herders were recently apprehended by operatives of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Agency for allegedly violating the anti-grazing law. However, the group insists that those arrested are innocent and were denied a fair hearing before being remanded in prison custody.
“Our members were unjustly arrested. They are innocent of the accusations and were detained without due process,” Alhaji Bello said.
The MACBAN leadership also expressed displeasure over their exclusion from the state’s law enforcement committee, stressing that as key stakeholders in the state’s agricultural and livestock sector, they deserve representation in policymaking and enforcement structures, particularly those affecting their members.
They appealed to the state government and relevant authorities to ensure fairness, justice, and inclusive dialogue, while reaffirming their commitment to peaceful coexistence and security in Oyo State.
“We are committed to the peace and stability of the state. But we must also be part of the conversation, especially when it concerns the livelihood and rights of our people,” Bello added.
It should be recalled that the Oyo State House of Assembly previously enacted an anti-open grazing law, aimed at curbing farm destruction and violent clashes between farmers and herders. While the legislation has been praised in some quarters, its enforcement has sparked tension among pastoralist communities who feel marginalized.
