MACBAN Alleges Fulani Herders Being Targeted by Anti-Grazing Law
The Oyo State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) held a protest on Monday, accusing authorities of detaining some of their members unlawfully and excluding them from the state’s Rule of Law Enforcement Agency.
Led by the Serkin Fulani of Oyo State, Alhaji Yakubu Bello, and the group’s liaison officer, Adam Abdukadir, MACBAN accused the state government of marginalising Fulani herders.
Speaking in Ibadan, Alhaji Bello said many of their members are being held without trial under the state’s anti-grazing law.
“Our members, who were arrested, were innocent of the offence they accused them of. They were arrested illegally,” he said.
“The Rule of Law Enforcement Agency did not give them a fair hearing before remanding them in prison.”
The protest comes amid ongoing tension over the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, which bans open grazing of livestock.
MACBAN says the law is being applied unfairly.
“We are not against the law,” said Abdukadir.
“But it must be enforced with fairness and justice. Our people are peace-loving and committed to living in harmony with their host communities.”
The group also criticised their exclusion from the state’s enforcement structures.
“As critical stakeholders in Oyo State, we should be included in the enforcement committee. We can offer valuable insight, especially in rural communities where many of our members live and operate,” Bello said.
MACBAN called on the Oyo State government, traditional leaders, and civil society groups to intervene.
“We want a peaceful coexistence. We are part of the society, and our voice must be heard,” Bello added.
The anti-grazing law, enacted in 2019, aims to address farmer-herder clashes by banning open grazing. Offenders face penalties such as fines or imprisonment.
Farmer-herder clashes remain a source of tension in many Nigerian states, often turning violent due to disputes over land, grazing routes, and property damage.
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