The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, has warned herders against grazing cattle within Abuja city centre and along major roads, stressing that such practices pose safety and security risks to residents, herders and livestock.
The police chief gave the warning during a courtesy visit by a delegation of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore Fulani Socio-Cultural Association, FCT Chapter, led by its North-Central Zonal Chairman, Alhaji Gidado Idris Bebeji, at the Command Headquarters in Garki, Abuja.
During the meeting, the association drew attention to a number of challenges facing its members in the FCT, including recurring clashes with farmers and local vigilante groups, attacks by kidnappers and cattle rustlers, incidents of cattle poisoning allegedly linked to farmers, and the steady encroachment of traditional grazing routes by farms, estates and residential developments.
According to the delegation, these issues have contributed to rising tensions between herders, farming communities and residents across parts of the territory.
Responding to the concerns, CP Sanusi assured the association that matters within the jurisdiction of the FCT Police Command would receive prompt attention and be handled in accordance with the law. He noted that issues beyond the Command’s mandate would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.
The commissioner also pledged to engage farmers, community leaders and other stakeholders to address areas of disagreement and foster peaceful coexistence among herders, farmers and host communities.
While addressing the delegation, Sanusi expressed concern over the use of underage children for cattle grazing, describing the practice as undesirable. He also cautioned against night grazing and grazing within urban centres, warning that cattle should not be allowed to roam major roads or densely populated areas.
He advised herders to restrict grazing activities to the outskirts and avoid farmlands in order to prevent conflicts and the destruction of crops.
The police commissioner further warned members of the association against taking the law into their own hands whenever disputes arise. Instead, he urged them to seek lawful channels for resolving grievances and report criminal activities to security agencies.
Sanusi also called on herders to be vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, unusual movements and criminal elements within their communities. He stressed that individuals who harbour criminals or fail to report them could be treated as accomplices under the law.
Reaffirming the importance of community policing, the commissioner urged the association to strengthen its collaboration with the police and other security agencies to improve security and maintain peace across the Federal Capital Territory.
In response, the leaders of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore Fulani Association thanked the commissioner for granting them audience and pledged to work closely with the FCT Police Command in promoting peace, security and harmonious relations among all residents of the territory.
The meeting is part of ongoing efforts by the FCT Police Command to engage critical stakeholders and address security concerns through dialogue, cooperation and preventive policing measures.
