๐๐ง๐ฌ๐๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ: ๐๐ข๐ง๐ฎ๐๐ฎ ๐๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐๐ฌ ๐ก๐๐ซ๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ซ๐๐ง๐๐๐ซ ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ ๐๐ฅ ๐ฐ๐๐๐ฉ๐จ๐ง๐ฌ
President Bola Tinubu has urged herders to abandon open grazing, surrender illegal firearms, and fully transition to ranching as part of a new national strategy aimed at ending the recurring farmerโherder clashes.
Tinubu, in a statement released on Wednesday, said the Federal Government is focused on long-term reforms that will curb the violent confrontations between herders and farming communities across the North and North-Central regions.
The appeal comes amid increased insecurity nationwide, including a surge in school kidnappings in Niger and Kebbi states, and persistent clashes in the Middle Belt that have resulted in multiple deaths.
According to the President, ranching is the only sustainable model for livestock management capable of reducing tensions over land use, preventing confrontations, and restoring peace in rural communities. He urged all herder associations to embrace the policy and surrender all unauthorised weapons in their possession.
Tinubu also called on religious institutionsโparticularly mosques and churches in high-risk areasโto work closely with security agencies to enhance protection during worship and other gatherings.
He highlighted the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock as a key component of the administrationโs long-term livestock transformation plan. The ministry, he said, will guide herders through modern production methods and assist states in developing ranch-friendly frameworks.
The President added that the new livestock policy is structured to safeguard farmers and herders while reducing pressure on land resources and addressing the circulation of illegal arms.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Government has intensified security operations following threats issued by a self-acclaimed bandit in a viral video circulating across the Edo Central Senatorial District.
In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Fred Itua, the government reassured residents of their safety and confirmed that a high-level security meeting had been convened to assess the situation.
Security operations in the state have recently led to the arrest of two suspected kidnappers, Anthony Fedigha Ebimienwei and Luke Disemoh, in Egbai community, Ovia North-East LGA, following what authorities described as intelligence-driven surveillance.
The government urged citizens to remain calm, avoid sharing unverified information, and cooperate with security agencies. Governor Okpebholo reiterated his administrationโs commitment to protecting residents, travellers, and investors across the state.
