The Oyo State Fulani community has written to Governor Seyi Makinde, seeking urgent intervention over what it described as targeted discrimination, harassment and unjust enforcement of the state’s anti-cattle rearing laws.
Addressing Journalists at a press conference held by members of community, comprising the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore Fulani, National Association of Cattle Dealers Processor and Marketers of Nigeria and other socio-cultural associations in the cattle business value chain in the state, the group expressed concerns that recent enforcement measures by the Oyo state Rule of Law Enforcement Agency was threatening the survival of the Fulani community in the state.
According to the association, members’ cattle ranches are “being raided frequently, often in the early hours of the morning,” while there have been “repeated instances of individuals claiming to be agents of Oyo State Government demanding daily cash transfers under unclear circumstances.”
The letter further alleged that in many cases, the enforcement of the new laws had been accompanied by acts “described as discrimination and unjust,” creating fear and tension among the Fulani population.
While acknowledging the government’s authority to make laws, the group appealed for implementation in a “fair, transparent and human manner, without jeopardising the livelihood of an entire community.”
The association urged Governor Makinde to direct relevant agencies to investigate the alleged illegal cash demands and harassment of its members, review the enforcement approach of the anti cattle rearing law to avoid targeted discrimination, engage in dialogue with Fulani leadership to develop peaceful and sustainable solutions safeguarding public interest and their members’ livelihoods.
They said, “we are only appealing as loyal citizens for understanding, justice and protection,” adding that the fulani community remain law abiding and committed to peaceful co-existence.
The association concluded by pledging continued loyalty to the Makinde administration and expressed confidence that the governor’s “wisdom and compassion” would ensure a fair resolution to their concerns.
