Following persistent attacks, hundreds of Fulani herdsmen in different parts of Zamfara state have started moving out of the state to other parts of the country.
Our correspondent reports that several trucks were seen conveying domestic animals, women and children out of the state. Head of the herdsmen, Malam Salihu Aliyu, said that the movement became necessary in view of the rampant cases of attacks on the herdsmen by hoodlums, who carting away livestock and rape their women, while they killed some people.
Aliyu, who said they were from Birnin Magaji local government area, further explained that in some cases, women were being abducted by the gunmen.
He said all Fulani herdsmen from the area had met with their leaders and resolved to migrate to safer places “before these dangerous gunmen gradually finish us.”
He said: “Even yesterday, I was attacked by gunmen who spent over three hours combing up the village for money or beautiful women; I told them that there was none of their demands, and that they could leave my house afterthoroughly searching the other rooms.”
He said already some of the livestock had been taken to new settlements in Bauchi state.
Commenting on the mass movement of the herdsmen, an official of
Miyetti Allah Cattlebreeders Association (MACBA) in the state, Alhaji Mande Kuraje, said: “We can’t stop them, as we can’t guarantee their lives and those of their livestock.”
