The Northern Elders Forum, NGF, has called on Fulani herdsmen to vacate the Southern part of the country and return to the North.
The Chairman of the forum, Prof. Ango Abdullahi, who made the at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday night, alleged that there were plans by some elements to stir up violence against herders in the Southern part of the country.
He further claimed that the NGF had information that violence against the herdsmen had already begun in some states of the federation.
His words: “We have heard in the few hours ago that some violence had already started to manifest in some sections of the country against the herdsmen, which all know would affect peaceful coexistence in the communities where they have lived for many years.
“Now, certainly, we are worried about their safety, like we are worried about the safety of every Nigerian who decided to live wherever they want to.
“But then, if there is no certainty that their safety is guaranteed by the authorities that are immediately around them or by the authorities that have responsibility for the overall security of all Nigerians wherever they reside, we are certainly worried about their wellbeing.
“And I think particular attention should be paid to what is happening hour-to-hour, day-to-day basis.
“If it is indeed true that their safety is not guaranteed in the places where they are residing, we would rather have them back into areas where their safety is guaranteed, and they should be coming back as much as possible to the North.”
The NGF Chairman noted that the forum was making efforts to ensure everything was done to avoid escalation of violence and the break down of law and order in the country.
He urged the Federal Government to set up Judicial Panel of Enquiry to enable those who lost properties to come and make their claims, adding that compensation for the loss should not be one sided.
