The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has condemned the recent killings in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, as well as the rising cases of cattle rustling, kidnapping and attacks on farmers across northern Nigeria, warning that the worsening insecurity is threatening national food security and peaceful coexistence.
In a statement issued on Thursday, KACRAN National President, Hon. Khalil Bello, described the attacks as “barbaric” and “inhuman,” saying the continued violence against farmers and pastoralists was disrupting agricultural production at a time millions of Nigerians are grappling with food insecurity.
“It is with deep sorrow that we condemn these senseless killings of law-abiding Nigerians who are working on their farms to feed their families and the nation. We reject in totality any act of violence, cattle rustling and kidnapping of farmers and pastoralists,” Bello said.
The association warned that persistent attacks on farming communities and pastoral settlements could further worsen the country’s food crisis, stressing that both farmers and herders play complementary roles in sustaining agricultural production and rural livelihoods.
KACRAN noted that many disputes between farmers and pastoralists often begin as minor disagreements over land use or grazing routes but escalate into deadly confrontations due to the absence of timely dialogue and effective community-based conflict resolution mechanisms.
The association also condemned what it described as the indiscriminate profiling of Fulani pastoralists as criminals, arguing that many herders have themselves been victims of banditry through cattle rustling, kidnappings and killings.
“Pastoralists were among the first victims of banditry. Their cattle were rustled, their families kidnapped and many were killed for refusing to cooperate with criminals. It is wrong to label every Fulani as a bandit. Banditry has no tribe or religion,” the statement added.
According to KACRAN, violent attacks targeting farmers, herders and commuters have persisted across several states, including Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Benue, Plateau, Niger, Kwara, Kogi and Kaduna, underscoring the need for urgent and coordinated security interventions.
The association appealed to bandits, armed groups and vigilante organisations to lay down their arms and embrace dialogue as a pathway to lasting peace.
KACRAN further called on the Federal Government to adopt its proposed National Peace Roadmap, a community-driven conflict resolution framework aimed at addressing insecurity across the North-West and North-Central regions.
The group said the roadmap advocates sustained dialogue among affected communities, protection of farmlands and grazing reserves, the engagement of repentant bandits in peace-building initiatives, and the recovery of illegally held firearms following reconciliation processes.
It expressed confidence that, with strong political commitment and effective implementation, the initiative could significantly reduce insecurity in the affected regions within a relatively short period.
KACRAN reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government, security agencies, traditional institutions, religious leaders and community stakeholders to restore peaceful coexistence between farmers and pastoralists and strengthen security across the country.
The renewed appeal comes amid growing concerns over persistent attacks on farming communities and pastoral settlements, which security experts say continue to undermine agricultural productivity, rural livelihoods and Nigeria’s food security.
