The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has urged forgiveness, peace, and civic duty as Muslims worldwide mark the Eid Kabir celebration.

Gidado Siddiki, leader of Fulani in Awka and national deputy director-general of MACBAN, made the appeal in his Sallah message delivered on Sunday in Awka.

Eid-el-Kabir commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishaq, and God’s intervention by providing a ram instead.

Mr Siddiki extended warm greetings to Nigerians, particularly MACBAN members, noting the festival symbolises sacrifice, faith, and obedience.

He urged Nigerians to embrace the spirit of Eid by letting go of past hurts in the interest of peace and unity.

“Two wrongs never make a right. Let us choose reconciliation and unity for our nation’s collective good,” Mr Siddiki said.

He encouraged MACBAN members in the South-East to maintain harmony with host communities and avoid any actions that could disrupt longstanding peace.

He also urged pastoralists to report grievances, challenges, or trauma to their leaders for appropriate escalation. 

“Association leaders are best positioned to report such matters to the authorities to ensure justice is served,” he added.

Mr Siddiki warned against taking the law into one’s own hands, advising peaceful and lawful approaches as paths to lasting justice and peace.

He called on all levels of government to protect lives and property, including those of the pastoralist community, stressing the need for inclusivity.

“I reject the narrative that unfairly labels pastoralists as criminals. It’s unjust and dangerous to demonise an entire group.

“Criminality knows no ethnic boundaries. We must reject all forms of stigmatisation,” Mr Siddiki said.

He urged MACBAN members in Anambra to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the Nov. 8 elections.

He said active participation is essential to elect leaders who understand and protect pastoralist interests and rights.

Mr Siddiki expressed gratitude to governments and people of Southeast states for their hospitality and support of peaceful cattle trading activities. 

(NAN)