The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria has called for a paradigm shift in addressing insecurity in northern Nigeria, saying over 50,000 people and approximately four million herds of cattle have been lost to the region’s escalating violence.

Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna on Saturday, MACBAN President, Alhaji Baba Othman Ngelzarma, emphasised the urgent need for non-kinetic solutions, describing ongoing military strategies as insufficient to bring lasting peace.

The press statement was delivered by the National Secretary-General, Bello Gotomo.

According to the group, pastoralist communities have borne a disproportionate brunt of the violence, with devastating losses that threaten livelihoods, food security, and social cohesion.

“We have tragically lost over 50,000 individuals and an estimated four million heads of cattle in this relentless violence,” Ngelzarma said. “We firmly believe that dialogue offers the most viable path toward a sustainable resolution.”

He noted that inclusive and locally driven security strategies have shown promise, citing the example of the Kaduna State Government’s community engagement, which he said has helped calm several volatile areas.

MACBAN also disclosed that 12 of its state and local chapter leaders, including recently elected chairmen in Katsina and Kwara states, have been killed in the conflict.

Ngelzarma stressed the need for an inclusive security architecture that promotes trust and cooperation across ethnic and socio-political lines.

“A truly effective security framework must be inclusive, ensuring the participation and protection of all law-abiding residents, irrespective of their ethnicity or background,” he said.

He argued that such a model would help isolate criminal elements from peace-loving citizens and facilitate community-based intelligence gathering and conflict prevention.

The MACBAN leader expressed optimism over the Federal Government’s recent creation of a Ministry of Livestock Development, describing it as a potential game-changer.

“A genuine and proactive buy-in to this initiative has the potential to unlock a multi-trillion-naira value chain, offering a tangible panacea to the very conflicts we are witnessing,” Gotomo said.

MACBAN also urged alignment with the upcoming United Nations International Year of Pastoralism and Rangelands in 2026, noting that it presents an opportunity to promote sustainable livestock practices, environmental stewardship, and food security.

On a separate note, the association called for renewed investigation into the disappearance of its National Vice President, Munir Atiku Lamido, who went missing two years ago under unclear circumstances.

“We appeal for the security agencies to reopen the case and use modern technology to track down the perpetrators,” Gotomo said, lamenting that despite recovering Lamido’s vehicle and mobile phones, the investigation has stalled.

In conclusion, MACBAN reiterated its willingness to work with all levels of government to help shape practical and grassroots-informed policies to address insecurity.

“We stand ready to support the government with insights drawn from our extensive experience and grassroots interactions to identify the most effective pathways toward resolving this debilitating conflict,” Gotomo added.