Fulani herdsmen plan establishment of emirates in Southern Nigeria, group alleges

The Coalition of Ethic Nationalities Youth Leaders of Southern Nigeria (CENYLON) has alerted of Fulani herdsmen’s plans to establish emirates through the proposed RUGA settlements in Southern Nigeria, urging the people to resist the move.

Rising from an emergency meeting in Awka, Anambra State yesterday, leaders of CENYLON expressed concern that the establishment of Fulani vigilance group across the country poses serious security threat and condemned the proposed RUGA settlements, which they described as ill timed.

They urged the Federal Government to urgently convene a national security summit to address the killings, kidnappings and sacking of communities by Fulani herdsmen and their militia across the country, citing a current incident in Ondo State.

Spokesman of CENYLON and President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youths Worldwide, Arthur Obiorah, said the meeting reviewed activities of herdsmen, especially in Southern Nigeria, stating that it was a deliberate ploy by the Fulani hegemony to forcibly dominate the country.

“We trace the killing of Afenifere Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti’s daughter to the unabated and untrammeled activities of Fulani herdsmen,” the group said.

In a communiqué issued by over 12 leaders of the coalition and read by Obiorah, the group said: “CENYLON strongly condemned the provocative statement by leaders of Coalition of Northern Youths regarding temporary suspension of RUGA settlements.

“We reject Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN’s) proposed vigilance group in Ondo and other parts of Southern Nigeria. It is illegal and a clandestine move by the jihadist exponents to foist Fulani emirates’ political hegemony on the entire nation.

“We ask the Federal Government to commence investigation into the killing of Mrs. Funke Olakunri with a view to prosecuting the culprits.”

The communiqué, also signed by the presidents of Yoruba Youth Council, Eric Oluwale, Supreme Command of Ibibio Youths, Atauko Samuel Brown and Igala Cultural Development Association, Chukwuma Okparaezeukwu, cautioned that Southern youths were capable of protecting and defending their territories against external invasion.

Others who signed the statement including President, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eric Omare, President, National Youth Council of Ogoni, Mathew Dighi and Vice President, CENYLON in Akwa Ibom State, Ulap Joseph Okon, insisted that insecurity across the country was threatening the nation’s very foundation.