The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has warned herders against night grazing and moving cattle within Abuja city centre, saying the practice poses danger to residents, motorists and the herders themselves.
The warning came as the Commissioner of Police in the FCT, CP Ahmed Sanusi, met with leaders of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore Fulani Socio-Cultural Association, FCT chapter, over growing tensions involving herders, farmers and local communities in the territory.
At the meeting held at the Command on Monday, the association raised concerns over repeated clashes with farmers and vigilante groups, attacks by kidnappers and cattle rustlers, poisoning of cattle, attacks on herders, and the steady loss of traditional grazing routes to farms, estates and residential developments.
The police said the development has contributed to rising tension between herders, farming communities and residents across parts of the FCT.
Addressing the delegation led by the North-Central Zonal Chairman of the association, Alhaji Gidado Idris Bebeji, Sanusi said the Command would address complaints that fall within its mandate and refer others to the appropriate authorities.
He also pledged to engage farmers, community leaders and other stakeholders to reduce friction and promote peaceful coexistence.
While speaking on grazing practices, the commissioner expressed concern over the use of underaged children for cattle grazing, as well as grazing at night and within towns and the city centre.
He warned herders against moving cattle along major roads and urban areas, saying such actions put lives and property at risk.
The CP advised herders to restrict grazing activities to the outskirts and avoid farmlands to prevent disputes and destruction of crops.
Sanusi also warned members of the association against taking the law into their hands whenever disputes arise and cautioned them against harbouring criminals in their communities.
He urged them to report strange persons, suspicious movements and unusual activities to the police, warning that anyone found shielding criminal elements could be treated as an accomplice under the law.
“The Commissioner of Police acknowledged the concerns raised by the association and assured them that issues within the control of the FCT Police Command would be promptly attended to and handled in accordance with the law,” the statement said.
“He noted, however, that some of the concerns raised fall outside the mandate of the Command and assured the delegation that such matters would be communicated to the relevant authorities for appropriate action.”
The police commissioner further called on the association to strengthen collaboration with the police and other security agencies to improve peace and security in the territory.
Leaders of the association, in response, thanked the commissioner for receiving them and pledged to work with the police in promoting peace across the FCT.
