KACRAN urges FG to engage members implement Fulako Initiative
By Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri
The National President of the Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN), Khalil Mohammed Khalil Bello has urged the Federal Government to engage members of the association to foster peace and unity in the country.
According to him, the engagements of KACRAN could end farmers/herders’ perennial conflicts through non-kinetic approaches.
Bello made the appeal on Sunday at a news conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) press centre, Maiduguri.
“The Federal Government should first consult the beneficiaries or targeted groups of the N50 billion proposed Fulako Initiative Concept (FKIC) project,” noting that the implementation of the project will rehabilitate and resuscitate the cattle routes occupied by farmers in the country.
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He noted that the engagement of leadership of the pastoralists and members, was to rebuild all the cattle routes, as well as designated abattoirs in communities to prevent any further clashes.
The herders’ boss, however, lamented the design of the FKIC project, including the setting up of its committee members through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President, Kashim Shettima.
“The FKIC project lacked constituents or the target groups to fully engage them in ending the perennial farmers/herders clashes that claim many lives and property,” he said.
Bello, therefore, suggested that there was the need for consultations among the leadership of herders’ association.
“We’re in a better position of awareness on our immediate and long-term demands,” he said.
He stated that the demands of the pastoralists, who live in the bushes with their livestock, are grazing reserves and secured cattle routes, including water points at strategic locations of cattle herding.
He warned members of the association against public protests, while commending Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state for setting up a committee on farmers/herders conflict.
Bello, therefore, pledged to continue peace and unity among the members of the herders’ association in the country.
According to him, the alleged abduction by Fulani herdsmen will end with the support and cooperation of the Federal and State governments.
“This commendation stems from positive feedback from our members and reflects the commission’s dedication to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of rebuilding and restoring hope in the affected states,” he said.
