The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has urged northern leaders to unite and tackle insecurity in the North-West and North-Central geopolitical zones of the country.
The association’s national president, Khalil Mohammed Bello, made the call in a statement issued on Sunday and made available to DAILY POST in Damaturu.
According to the statement, the prolonged crisis has resulted in the avoidable deaths of thousands of innocent Nigerians, the destruction of property worth trillions of naira, and the rustling of thousands of livestock.
“Particularly distressing is the incident reported by Amnesty International in Kwara State, where several pastoralists, including women and children, were allegedly arrested and detained at an NYSC orientation camp in one local government area.
“Reports indicate that over 150 detainees lost their lives due to disease and poor living conditions”, Bello said.
KACRAN’s National President stated that if northern leaders are truly committed and sincere, the region has the competence, capacity, and human capital to end insecurity in these two zones.
“The region is endowed with former Heads of State, eminent politicians, retired and serving generals, civil servants, revered traditional rulers, captains of industry, and other critical stakeholders.
“If they work together, they can identify the root causes of insecurity and resolve them through dialogue, lawful enforcement, and other constructive measures”, he said.
Bello also argued that there is no justification for the people of northern Nigeria to fold their arms and continue to blame President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a challenge that is largely internal and solvable by themselves, saying “ownership, not abdication, is required”.
“In KACRAN’s assessment, Mr President has taken commendable steps to address insecurity in the North, including appointing northerners as National Security Adviser and Ministers of Defence, and appropriating over N5 trillion to the Defence Ministry”, he said.
The KACRAN National President expressed optimism that northern leaders will, as a matter of urgency, act to restore peace, unity, love, and mutual respect among the people of the North-West, North-Central, and Nigeria at large.
