The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has raised concerns over the suitability of southeastern lands for ranching or settlements compared to those in the northern region of Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Monday, March 11, 2024, signed by Emeka Umeagbalasi, Chinwe Umeche Esquire, and Obianuju Igboeli Esquire, Intersociety cautioned the governors of the southeastern states to resist any attempts to establish herders’ settlements within their jurisdictions or face lawful and popular resistance.
Highlighting the limited landmass of the Southeast, measuring approximately 29,525 square kilometers, Intersociety emphasized that such areas are inadequate for accommodating Fulani ranching/settlements. The group urged governors, particularly Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, to refrain from pursuing any initiatives aimed at establishing herders’ settlements.
Intersociety voiced suspicions regarding the motives behind these initiatives, pointing out the governors’ alleged failure to adequately address violence perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen within their states. The group cited incidents of abductions, killings, sexual violence, property theft, and destruction of farmlands as evidence of this negligence.
Attributing the country’s current food insecurity to what they termed “Islamic-Fulanization” and terrorization of agricultural regions, Intersociety highlighted areas across Nigeria where such insecurities have been observed, implicating Boko Haram and jihadist Fulani herdsmen.
The involvement of the federal government in the establishment of these settlements, as claimed by the governments of Enugu and Abia states, further fueled suspicions. Intersociety criticized the explanations provided, labeling promises to build military bases as covert efforts to facilitate ranching initiatives.
Asserting that it is the governors’ responsibility to ensure security and protect citizens’ lives and property, Intersociety urged them to prioritize the eradication of marauding Fulani herdsmen from farmlands and restore farmers’ access to their lands.
Intersociety stressed the importance of providing essential infrastructure and services to attract foreign investments, underscoring the governors’ duty to enhance urban and rural development, including forest preservation and modern urban planning.
In summary, Intersociety’s statement warned against the establishment of herders’ settlements in the Southeast, calling on governors to prioritize security and development initiatives that benefit their constituents.
