Following threats from some groups, 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.
In separate interviews with The Punch, the herdsmen under the auspices of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MCBAN) said the constitution guaranteed their movement into any part of the country.
Speaking on the issue, Nuru Abdullahi, the chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Plateau state said: “Why would they ask them not to go to the southern part of the country? It is their constitutional right to move freely as guaranteed by the laws of the land. What the various governments and security agencies should do is to prevent attacks and counter-attacks and such things that breed violence like cattle rustling and trespassing into farmlands.
“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees freedom of movement for every citizen of the country; this includes the right to live, work and carry out any legitimate activity in any part of the country. If and when you breach this freedom, then, the law should deal with you. So, asking anybody not to go to any part of the country is unconstitutional.”
On his part, Ardo Ahmadu Suleiman, the chairman of MCBAN north-west zone, said the threats were uncalled for, while warning against criminalising all Fulani herdsmen over the attacks.