Cleric Condemns Killings Across the country

By Sule Aliyu, Bauchi

The Renowned International Scholar and Leader of Tijjaniyya Sect in Nigeria, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Scholar has strongly condemned the killing of innocent persons across the country especially in Benue, Taraba, Adamawa and Plateau states.

He equally kicked against the Anti-grazing law enacted by some state governments in the country saying that there should be rule of law in the affairs of government.

Sheikh Bauchi while calling for the probe of the purported Fulani crises also appealed to the Federal Government to reserve certain plots for the herdsmen in all parts of the country for grazing as a way of addressing the endemic clashes between Fulani and farmers.

The Islamic Scholar stated this during an interview with some selected journalists in Bauchi where he reacted to the recent hostilities between farmers and herdsmen in some parts of the country where lives and properties were destroyed.

“The animals must to graze to survive. So enacting anti-graze law would not solve the issue because herdsmen are bona fide citizens as such their plight should also be considered,” he pointed out.

He expressed worry that hostilities between farmers and herdsmen has degenerated to the level whereby several people have lost their lives and many rendered homeless, pointing out that there should be tolerance and mutual understanding between farmers and herdsmen residing in communities.

“If a person who is a resident of a community, has cattle to take care of and does not have where to rear them, he should be advised to restrict the animals and buy feeds as well as provide water for them, instead of grazing near farmlands where the cows may encroach into people’s farms.

“In case the person does not want to buy feeds and provide water for the cattle, he should be advised to relocate to another environment far from farmlands and if the person refuses to comply with these options, communities should not take laws into their hands, but should resolve the matter by reporting to the authorities.

“I am not saying this because I am a Fulani man, but because I want things to be done in an orderly manner where each and every citizen in the country will be given a fair hearing”, he said.