MACBAN
Special Interview
Progress has been recorded in the implementation of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law 2017. Following its formal enactment, civil society organizations have continued to propagate awareness campaigns involving major stakeholders like farmers, herders, security agents and traditional rulers. The Peace Architecture Dialogue midwife by Search for Common Ground alongside its partners and the translation of the law into Hausa language by INTERCEP are two of such progress reports. In this special interview, The Transmitter caught up with Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Benue State Chapter. The Chairman (Ardo) Risku Moh’d and Secretary Ibrahim Galma spoke on peace, disunity and the way forward with Joseph Gbagyo. Excerpts:
The Transmitter: What is MACBAN?
MACBAN: MACBAN simply means Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria. It is social cultural organization for herders. It guides the activity of all Fulani cattle herders and was established the 1980s. It is an association for development with the aim of how herding can improve. MACBAN is at the federal, state and local government levels. My duty as chairman is to make sure there are no conflicts. I make sure peace and unity exist between our members and the host community. MACBAN at the national level coordinates activities of all states chairmen.
The Transmitter: How do you channel issues across to the national MACBAN?
MACBAN: Monthly, depending on how the issues arise. We report to the headquarters in Abuja. The state body is supposed to have a clear record of herders across council areas in the state. In Benue this is a challenge, because of the persistent crisis between farmers/herders. We also have leaders at the local government levels, though our situation now is not normal.
The Transmitter: How can you assess your relationship with host communities?
The relationship was very cordial. I remember a child how my mum will take Nono (cow milk) to the host community and in return came back with dried cassava. We had always experienced peace because we understood their laws. They also knew our rights. So in the case of infringement, we came together for resolution. There had been cordial relationship, until the recent impasse.
The Transmitter: Why the crisis now?
MACBAN: Tiv and Fulani were friendly, accommodating and jovial. We call them “Munchi” The Climate Change has brought in different herds of cattle to the state, especially in the areas of Guma, Logo, Buruku and Tarkaa which are major riverine areas. The population increase among farmers has also resulted to the crisis. And, the herders and farmers sometimes take the laws into their hands. Youth restiveness on both sides has not helped matters.
The Transmitter: Where are the other herders coming from?
MACBAN: Places like Jos, Namu, Kaduna and Bauchi. Once the dry season comes, they migrate down south in high numbers. Before, for any Fulani man to come to a local government, the inhabitants must know and agree with him and receive the consent of the traditional ruler. But now, with politics in play, due process is not followed in the migration procedure.
The Transmitter: There are allegations that the migration is about conquering the Benue valley?
MACBAN: Whoever says that is wrong because traditionally the Fulani man does not fight over land. There is no such agenda; all we want is the field to graze. In my opinion, this crisis is orchestrated by politicians. Before now the traditional rulers handled issues better, but they had the backing of the government in power. They have no longer respect for the traditional rulers. These youths are both on the side of the farmers and the herders.
The Transmitter: Are you aware of the Open Grazing Law?
MACBAN: we are aware. We cannot say no to the law. But we also requested that our position be heard when the process was on. We tried all ways to meet the governor to no avail. The tension then could not allow us to participate in the public hearings conducted in Gboko and Katsina ala. Our association is law abiding and we will continue to do everything within our powers to promote unity and progress of Benue State. We were born and raised here like our grandparents. We have no other home. There is need to come together and pursue unity, going forward.
