Fulani Herdsmen: Sultan of Sokoto speaks up

– Sultan of Sokoto has condemned terror attacks carried out by herdsmen across the country
– Sultan said it is alarming that within few weeks, deadly attacks were reportedly unleashed and the perpetrators go un-arrested
-Sultan of Sokoto cautioned Nigerians not to brand terror attacks with in religious and ethnic garments

One of Nigeria’s most respected traditional rulers, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar lll has commented on the ongoing nationwide attacks by Fulani herdsmen.
Sa’ad Abubakar lll who is also the president-General of the Jama’atul Nasir Islam cautioned Nigerians not to brand terror attacks with in religious and ethnic garments.
He however said perpetrators must be when apprehended and made to face justice and to forestall a recurrence.

The Sultan said: “Jama’atu Nasril Islam received with great shock and deep concern the news of incessant killings and maiming of innocent lives and the destruction of public and private properties. Of particular concern is the brutal murder of people in Agatu, Benue State, Nnibo, Enugu State and some parts of Nasarawa State.
“It is indeed alarming that within few weeks, deadly attacks were reportedly unleashed while the perpetrators go un-arrested.
“We therefore call for a thorough investigation by appropriate agencies in order to fish out the evil perpetrators, bring them to justice and forestall recurrence.
“It is indeed absurd and most unfortunate that certain groups or people ascribed the incidence to ethnic and/or religious premise and to whimsically apportion blame in order to batter the gradual restoration of peace and security in Nigeria.
“We must thus be cautious of packaging crimes on religious and ethnic garments.”

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has said it will explore all means to combat insurgency in the North-East and stop the incessant attacks by the herdsmen on the farmers in the Middle-Belt and the South.
According to Punch newspaper, the general officer commanding, 2 Division, Ibadan, Maj. Gen. Laz Ilo, stated this at the annual military training/competition hosted by the 32nd Artillery Brigade, Owena Barracks, Akure, the Ondo state capital, on Friday, April 29.
He said the issues of insurgency and Fulani herdsmen were being tackled headlong and the army would continue to tackle the menace until there is peace in the affected areas of the country.
Meanwhile, herdsmen from different parts of Nigeria have said nobody has the right to restrict them from grazing their cattle in any part of the country.
Dismissing the ultimatums given by different groups for them to vacate the southern part of the country, the herdsmen said nobody can stop them from grazing anywhere as such restriction was unconstitutional.