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By Muhammad Sani Gazas/Abdullahi Inuwa
The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has condemned the renewed wave of violence in parts of Niger State, warning that attacks by bandits and alleged abuses by vigilante groups could further deepen insecurity and threaten the state’s contribution to Nigeria’s food supply.
In a statement issued by its National President, Khalid Muhammad Bello, the association said it was alarmed by media reports and videos circulating on social media showing alleged cases of killings, arson and destruction of property linked to the escalating violence.
KACRAN described the reported attacks as disturbing and unacceptable, stressing that innocent residents should not be made to pay the price for criminal activities or reprisals.
According to the association, the violence has displaced thousands of people, disrupted farming activities and damaged the longstanding relationships between communities.
“Lives and livelihoods are being destroyed, while families are being forced from their homes and farmlands. This cycle of revenge will only create more insecurity and hardship,” KACRAN said.
The association appealed to bandits operating in the affected areas to immediately abandon criminal activities, release all hostages unconditionally and embrace dialogue with their host communities.
It equally urged vigilante groups and community members to avoid reprisal attacks, jungle justice and the wrongful targeting of innocent people suspected of having links with criminals.
KACRAN warned that driving innocent residents into forests or out of their communities could expose them to recruitment by criminal elements and worsen the security crisis.
The association called on both sides to abandon violence and rebuild the trust and peaceful coexistence that historically existed among communities in the state.
‘Niger’s Peace Is Nigeria’s Food Security’
KACRAN stressed that the security situation in Niger State should be treated as a matter of national importance because of the state’s strategic role in agriculture.
It noted that prolonged insecurity could prevent farmers from accessing their fields, disrupt food production and ultimately worsen the country’s food security challenges.
“Peace in Niger State is directly connected to food security across Nigeria. The violence must therefore stop before it causes even greater damage,” the association said.
KACRAN Praises Governor Bago
The group also commended Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, for what it described as sustained efforts to promote peace, justice and agricultural development across the state.
KACRAN particularly praised the governor’s investment in large-scale agricultural production, including rice farming, saying such initiatives could contribute significantly to feeding Niger State and other parts of the country.
The association said Governor Bago’s emphasis on fairness and equal treatment of residents was worthy of commendation at a time when communities were facing serious security challenges.
KACRAN urged the governor to establish designated and accessible Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in secure locations to provide immediate assistance to residents displaced by the violence.
It also appealed for relief materials and other forms of support to enable displaced families to return home, rebuild their livelihoods and resume normal lives.
The association finally called on the Federal Government and governors across the country to strengthen peace-building efforts, invest heavily in agriculture and ensure that citizens are treated with fairness, justice and compassion.
KACRAN maintained that sustainable peace remains the foundation for economic growth, food security and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse communities.
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