It was on 19 of January 2021 that the governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state ordered the Fulani herdsmen to vacate the Ondo state forest reserve. The quit order had caused uproar across the country, some people have commended the governor’s action while others described the expulsion order of the governor as unconstitutional and illegal.
We all believe every Nigerian has the constitutional right to live in any part of this country be it south or north we are all Nigerians. But the way some of our southern compatriots are treating the Fulani herdsmen is outrageous and uncalled for.
I was very sad when I read the devastating news that 37 herdsmen and 5,000 cows have been chased out of Ondo forest reserves for violating the order of the state government. I think this is not the right decision, another way of resolving this issue should have to be found.
Another sad development also happened in Ogun state where houses and markets belonging to the Fulani herdsmen were razed in the Egugu area of the state. This is quite unfortunate. Government at all levels should intervene for the betterment of Nigeria and for peace to reign in our dear country.
However, I am not in support of the herdsmen’s lawlessness and brigandage, but attacking them could create another problem for the development and advancement of this country. What do we think will happen when the herdsmen start to retaliate?
Though, it is true that some of the herdsmen destroy and burn farmlands, but what we fail to understand is that there are criminals in every tribe and religion. So, attacking and asking all the Fulani herdsmen to vacate some southern states of Nigeria should not be the way out. All we want is peace and stability to reign in our country. Therefore, I call on southerners to let the concerned authorities provide a lasting solution to the problem.
Kasim Isa Muhammad,
Maiduguri, Borno state
