Insecurity: Northern Leaders Must Unite or Face ‘Irreversible Damage’-Cattle Rearers’ Association

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu 

The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN), a self-described peace loving and law abiding organization, expressed deep concern over the prolonged crisis, which it says has led to thousands of preventable deaths, destruction of property worth trillions of naira, and the theft of hundreds of thousands of livestock the primary livelihood for millions of families.

In a statement issued by its National President, Hon. Khalil Mohammed Bello, the group highlighted a recent Amnesty International report from Kwara State, alleging that several pastoralists, including women and children, were arrested and detained at an NYSC orientation camp in one local government area. According to the report, more than 150 detainees allegedly lost their lives due to disease and poor living conditions.

While acknowledging Kwara State Governor’s commitment to livestock development citing the creation of a Ministry of Livestock Development and the redeployment of the Agriculture Commissioner to head it KACRAN called for a transparent investigation and the immediate release of any innocent pastoralists still in detention.

The association appealed to northern leaders to recognize that the region possesses the human capital needed to resolve the crisis, including former heads of state, senior military officers, traditional rulers, and industry leaders.It argued that through dialogue, lawful enforcement, and coordinated action, lasting peace is achievable if genuine commitment exists.

KACRAN further argued that northerners should not wait for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to solve what is largely an internal problem, noting that the federal government has already appointed northerners as National Security Adviser and Defence Ministers, and allocated over ₦5 trillion to the Defence Ministry.

The group warned that continued reliance on the federal government, especially while some exploit the situation for political gain, risks severe economic and political fallout for the region.

As evidence that collective action works, KACRAN pointed to the relative peace achieved in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State, and parts of Katsina State, stating that dialogue succeeds when northern leaders act together, regardless of tribe, religion, or political affiliation.

Stressing that northern Nigeria existed as a united people long before the 1914 amalgamation, KACRAN urged leaders not to allow politics to destroy their shared home.

The association concluded with an appeal for urgent implementation of its suggestions, expressing hope that unity, peace, and mutual respect can be restored across the North West, North Central, and the nation at large.