Khadijat Saidu, Birnin Kebbi
Kebbi State Governor, has restated his commitment in the fight against banditry, says he will not shy away from fighting bad elements in the society who are making life extremely unbearable to the law-abiding citizens.
Governor Atiku Bagudu renewed his vow to lead the people into the forest to engage and fight bandits until they are totally subdued.
Kebbi State Chief Executive affirmed this at a stakeholder’s security meeting with Fulani leaders, in Birnin Kebbi,
The Governor explained that, he has maintained a neutral stance in the scheme of things, but, “supportive of Fulanis who unfortunately, the bad eggs amongst them have soiled the good reputation of the entire race before the world.”
Consequently, he said, the incumbent administration has aligned itself with the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari, towards eliminating the problem of insecurity in the shortest possible time.
Bagudu also announced that, Kebbi State Government would set up a Committee to identify all grazing reserves and cattle routes.
Doing so, Bagudu noted, is aimed at resolving recurring conflicts between herders and farmers, as well as settle nomadic Fulanis in permanent locations for livestock production and animal rearing.
The Governor added that, already, the government has earmarked one point seven billion naira for assistance to Fulanis but emphasized the need for the herdsmen to embrace modernity in animal husbandry.
Bagudu further made it categorically clear that, he was committed to the attainment of the cardinal objectives of the administration by making Kebbi State, a model, worthy of emulation.
In a remark, former Governor of the Kebbi State, Alhaji Sa’idu Usman Nasamu Dakingari, expressed regret that the recurring incidences of criminality, killings, robbery and kidnappings in the north, have retarded the region politically and economically, just as they have also impeded the growth of the agricultural sector.
Dakingari tasked Fulani parents to place premium on the education of their children, as well as mold their characters with sound moral upbringing.
The former governor lamented the growing trend of drug addiction among Fulani youths, warning that, consumption of intoxicants has emboldened youths to bear arms and unleash terror on the society.
He urged politicians, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders to collectively work towards surmounting such social malaise.
The National President of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Ardo Muhammad Kiruwa, decried the demonization of all Fulanis as bandits and terrorists.
Alhaji Kiruwa emphasized that, Fulanis were also victims of crime and violence, saying that, most Fulanis are peace-loving citizens who are making colossal contributions to the economic prosperity of Nigeria.
On his part, the Kebbi State Chairman of the Association, Alhaji Attahiru Kaoje, identified lack of home training among Fulani youths, keeping bad company and indoctrination by other cultures as major factors that pushed them into crime and criminality.
He advocated the setting up of peace and security committees at all districts, villages and wards levels incorporating Fulani community as members.
Addressing the gathering, the District Head of Kalgo, Sarkin Gobir, who is the Chairman, Fulani Elders Forum, affirmed the resolve of Fulanis to supporting the Government in the task of surmounting security challenges in the state.
He indicated that, peace committees were already in existence at district and village levels, assuring that, Fulani community leaders were incorporated as members.
An Islamic Cleric, Sheikh Aliyu Ladda Bunza, described the security situation in the country as multi-faceted which requires the combined efforts from all the stakeholders, to bring it under control.
Two Fulani women leaders, Hajiya Hawwa’u Muhammad Jeji and Hajiya Hawwa’u Argungu commended governor Atiku Bagudu for introducing economic empowerment initiatived to women including Fulani women.
They include the rearing of goats, sheep and poultry for commercial husbandry, as well as the introduction of modern concepts in doing dairy production, from traditional cow milk into yoghurt.
They commended him for championing the path of peace and tranquility including his quest for restoring normalcy to security matters.
