By Chimezie Godfrey
The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, has cautioned herders against night grazing and grazing within Abuja city centre, warning that such practices pose security and safety risks to residents and livestock.
According to SP Josephine Adeh, Police Public Relations Officer of the FCT Command, the police commissioner gave the warning on Monday while receiving 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, during a courtesy visit to the Command Headquarters in Garki, Abuja.
The delegation used the visit to draw attention to several challenges confronting its members in the FCT, including clashes with farmers, conflicts with local vigilante groups, attacks by kidnappers and cattle rustlers, poisoning of cattle, attacks on herders, and the gradual encroachment of traditional grazing routes by farms, housing estates and other developments.
Responding, CP Sanusi assured the association that issues within the jurisdiction of the FCT Police Command would be addressed promptly and in accordance with the law.
He noted that concerns falling outside the Command’s mandate would be communicated to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.
The police commissioner also pledged to engage farmers, community leaders and other stakeholders to resolve areas of disagreement and promote peaceful coexistence among herders, farmers and host communities.
Sanusi expressed concern over the practice of allowing underage children to herd cattle and condemned night grazing as well as grazing within towns and city centres.
He warned against moving cattle along major roads and in urban areas, stressing that such actions endanger road users, herders and livestock.
The CP advised herders to restrict grazing activities to designated outskirts and avoid farmlands in order to prevent disputes and crop destruction.
He further cautioned members of the association against taking the law into their own hands whenever disputes arise.
The commissioner urged them not to harbour criminals and to promptly report suspicious persons, unusual movements and criminal activities within their communities to security agencies.
He warned that individuals who fail to report criminal elements could be treated as accomplices if such persons are later discovered by law enforcement agencies.
Sanusi also called for stronger collaboration between the association, the Police and other security agencies to enhance peace and security across the Federal Capital Territory.
The Miyetti Allah leaders, in their response, appreciated the commissioner for granting them audience and pledged to work closely with the FCT Police Command in promoting peace and security in the territory.
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