The Coalition of Pastoralists Associations of Nigeria, has called the attention of the Federal Government to the plight of herders.
The body, at a press conference in Abuja, alleged that some non-state actors are attempting to destroy the cattle-rearing businesses and chase the Fulani away.
Recent years have witnessed an increase in violent conflicts involving pastoralists in parts of West Africa and the Sahel.
They often take the form of clashes between herders and farmers, impacting human, national and regional security.
These conflicts are primarily driven by a competition for land, water and forage, but there are also political and socio-economic factors involved.
At this meeting of leaders of various pastoralist groups, the main issue on the table is how the natural resources are managed and allocated, as Pastoralists are both victims and actors in these conflicts.
Because pastoralists are very mobile, these conflicts can be difficult to contain and spills across borders.
Increased use of firearms has intensified rural conflicts.
This is particularly the case where farmer-herder conflicts get intermixed with communal conflicts, compounding the prevailing insecurity in these areas.
It is agreed that Urgent efforts are needed at the federal and state levels, in close coordination with local populations, to respond to
heightened conflicts between pastoralists and farmers in Nigeria.
