Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria has appealed for a presidential directive to security agencies to ensure effective security for pastoralist communities nationwide.

MACBAN’s national secretary-general, Bello Gotomo, made the appeal in a statement on Friday.

He also called on the federal government to end all forms of alleged discriminatory practice against pastoralists in the country.

Mr Gotomo restated the need for the National Security Adviser to implement concrete measures to address the alleged ethnic profiling, stigmatisation and scapegoating of pastoralists.

He said, “The Nigerian government must ensure accountability, justice and protection for all citizens regardless of ethnicity.”

Mr Gotomo decried the alleged unlawful arrest, inhuman treatment and profiling of some herdsmen at Opere Market in Kabba LGA.

“Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria calls on the federal government, the National Human Rights Commission and the international community to urgently intervene,” said the statement.

Armed herdsmen have been accused of perpetrating violence and kidnapping, including the destruction of farmlands in Ondo and other states.

(NAN)