Yorubas in north call for amicable resolution of Fulani cattle rearers face-off

The Yoruba Council of Obas in the 19 northern states and Abuja have advocated for an amicable resolution of the face-off between farmers in the South-west and Fulani cattle rearers.

It will be recalled that a former Secretary to the Federal Government of Nigeria, Chief Olu Falae, was kidnapped by a group of Fulani herdsmen from his farmland, as a result of a rift, which ensued over Falae accusing them of using their livestocks to overrun his farmland.

Arising from its 5th Quarterly meeting in Abuja, the council implored the Ondo State government to resolve the Fulani Cattle rearers-farmers’ conflict to avoid spill over to the northern part of the country.

A communique signed by the council’s acting Chairman who is also Mai (Oba) of Yoruba in Borno, Alhaji Hassan Yusuf and Dr Alani Adeyemi, Oba Yoruba Gombi, made available to journalists in Maiduguri yesterday, it appealed to the Ondo State governor to use his experience in resolving the problem.

“We implore the Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko to use his good office to resolve the ongoing crisis between the Fulani Cattle rearers and farmers in the state amicably and quickly to avoid spill over effect,” the council said.

It advised non-indigenes living in the southwest states and north to abide by the rules and traditional laws of the state they reside. It also urged them to continue to live harmoniously and peacefully with their hosts.

The council commended President Mohammadu Buhari for what it described as his genuine efforts at addressing immediate needs of the country especially the fight against Boko Haram insurgency and other security challenges, calling for support from all Nigerians.