Gumi creates nomadic group, to defend, protect herdsmen

Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi on Friday constituted a rights organization for herders to be regarded as the Nomadic Rights Concern, NORIC.

Gumi revealed the new organization was set up for the protection and defence of herders in the country.

While speaking in Kaduna, Gumi said he expects the federal government to address the issue of herdsmen in the country the same way the issue of Niger Delta youths is handled.

He revealed that the nomadic Fulani had been victimized by bandits.

The controversial Islamic scholar insisted that there should be a Ministry of Nomadic Affairs.

According to Gumi: “What I expect from the government is nothing less than what it did when the Niger Delta youths were vandalising the economy.

“These people are also disturbing the Nigerian agriculture which is the backbone of the national economy.

“The least they need is the Ministry of Nomadic Affairs that will look into their affairs.

“The issue that stands out glaringly is that pastoralists are both victims and villains largely because their voices are muffled by an unimaginable level of illiteracy and lack of know-how.

“Their rights are trampled upon or denied, leading to the much avoidable violence in the Nigerian society. Thus, the necessity to establish a non-governmental and apolitical organisation dedicated to peace and harmonious coexistence between various groups and ethnicities, especially amongst headers and farmers.”