By Nneka Nwogwugwu
Farrmers have called on Nigerians to embrace peace, unity and stop the blockage of food to the Southern part of Nigeria.
The farmers made this call on Tuesday while reacting to the effect of the food blockage.
Recall that the Amalgamated Union of Foodstuff and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria commenced an indefinite strike following the government’s failure to address the alleged killings of its members in parts of the country.
The union is also stopping its members from moving cattle and foodstuffs to the country’s southern part.
Many trailers transporting cows, tomatoes, onions, pepper, grains and other commodities were prevented from leaving a border town in Niger State to the southern part of the country.
It was gathered that the stoppage might have to do with the threat of the national body of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria to stop its members from supplying and selling cattle to the South if some governors affected the alleged eviction of Fulani herdsmen.
The Financial Secretary of the AUFCDN, Kabiru Salisu, said a task force set up by the union was enforcing the strike in Niger State and other areas
Also, the Coordinator of the Kwara State chapter of Miyetti Allah Association of Cattle Breeders, Aliyu Mohammed, over the weekend, said that the blockade of cattle and foodstuffs to the South West through Kwara State will continue until the safety of Fulani is guaranteed in the region.
Mohammed, said the action is a warning shot to ensure a peaceful operation of businesses by the Fulani and to end the harassment of the tribe in the south.
Mohammed insisted that “It is not only Fulanis that commit crimes in the country, but it was sad that everything happening now is heaped on Fulani herdsmen.”
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The coordinator said the association was ready to fish out the bad eggs in their midst.
As a result of these announcements, some states in the South –West have already started experiencing shortage of food supplies and hike in food stuffs.
A resident of Lagos, Onyeka Anyanwu, in an interview, lamented that the prices of pepper and tomatoes have increased.
‘’Pepper and tomatoes is scarce in Lagos. N50 Pepper is now sold at the rate of N100,’’ he said.
Also, a Northern trader, Musa Tijani, who spoke to Channels TV, lamented that they have lost over N10Billion in just one week.
He pleaded with the group to allow them bring their foodstuff to the Southern part of the country.
According to him, “most of the perishable foodstuff have spoiled because even the countries that we are moving the goods to have the items”.
“So, what happens is that when we get there, they won’t buy most of the foodstuff till we will just dash them or dump them there.”
“We need stop this blockage and see ourselves as one. There is no difference between an Igbo man, Hausa, Yoruba and Fulani if we our leaders can unite us.”
Contrary to this, President of Kano Tomatoes farmers Assocciation, Sani Danladi, assured that ‘’There is no cause for alarm in Kano state’’ as tomatoes supplies are still made to the South-West and South-East.
He also insisted that other commodities are also being supplied to the Southern part of Nigeria.
He said, ‘’Everything is going on fine in Kano. There is no blockage or restriction, we are still supplying food stuffs.’’
He also called for peace to reign in Nigeria.
The National President of Potatoes farmers Association of Nigeria, Chief Daniel Okafor, also called for peace and Unity, saying that all regions need each other to survive.
He urged farmers and Miyetti Allah Cattle Association should embrace peace for Nigeria to move forward.
