President Bola Tinubu has urged herders to halt open grazing, surrender any illegal weapons, and embrace ranching as part of a new national strategy to address the long-running farmer-herder dispute.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the president stated that the federal government is prioritizing long-term solutions to the violent battles between herders and farming communities, which have fostered instability in numerous northern and central states.
The warning comes in the midst of an increase in school kidnappings in Niger, Kebbi, and other parts of the country in the last week, as well as continuous farmer-herder violence in the North Central region, which has killed dozens in recent months.
“Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony,” Tinubu said.
He asked all herder associations to grasp the chance, cease open grazing, and hand over illicit firearms.
The president also urged mosques and churches, particularly in sensitive locations, to work with security services to ensure safety during prayers and meetings.
Tinubu emphasized the creation of the Ministry of Livestock as a crucial component of the administration’s long-term strategy, urging herder organizations to work with the ministry, modernize livestock production, and embrace ranch-based operations.
He stated that farmer-herder conflicts have continually fueled instability, ranging from land disputes to lethal confrontations, particularly in the Middle Belt.
He explained that the new livestock policy intends to safeguard both farmers and herders while reducing land-use disputes.
To aid in this transformation, Tinubu stated that the Federal Government, in collaboration with state governments, will set frameworks for ranch establishment and undertake efforts to reduce illegal arms circulation.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Government stated on Wednesday that it has increased security across the state in response to threats made by a self-proclaimed bandit in the Edo Central Senatorial District.
Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, promised people that they would be adequately protected.
The governor called a high-level security meeting in reaction to a viral video showing the suspected bandit threatening villages in Ekpoma and surrounding areas.
The Edo State Special Security Squad apprehended two alleged kidnappers, Anthony Fedigha Ebimienwei and Luke Disemoh, in the Egbai Community, Ovia North-East LGA, after conducting “high-level, intelligence-driven surveillance.”
The state government advised inhabitants to be calm, vigilant, and cooperative, and warned against sharing false or unsubstantiated information.
Okpebholo reiterated his administration’s commitment to the safety of residents, commuters, and investors.
