President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged herders across the country to surrender all illegal firearms, end open grazing, and fully transition to ranching as part of a renewed national strategy to curb herder violence.
In a statement on Wednesday, the President said the Federal Government is committed to implementing sustainable solutions to the recurring clashes between herders and farming communities—conflicts that have destabilised several northern and central states.
The President’s directive comes amid a spike in school kidnappings in Niger, Kebbi, and other states over the past week, as well as escalating herder violence in the North Central region, where dozens have been killed in recent months.
“Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony,” he said.
He called on herder associations nationwide to embrace the shift, end open grazing, and surrender all illegal weapons in their possession.
President Tinubu also appealed to mosques and churches in high-risk areas to strengthen coordination with security agencies to ensure the safety of worshippers during gatherings.
The President urged herders to work closely with the Ministry of Livestock Development to modernise livestock production and adopt ranch-based practices.
He noted that herder clashes have remained a persistent driver of insecurity, from land disputes to deadly confrontations, especially in the Middle Belt.
Tinubu added that the Federal Government, in collaboration with state governments, will develop frameworks to support ranch development and intensify efforts to stem the proliferation of illegal arms.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Government on Wednesday announced heightened security measures following threats from a self-acclaimed bandit in the Edo Central Senatorial District.
A statement by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, said the governor convened a high-level security meeting after a viral video surfaced showing the alleged bandit issuing threats to communities in Ekpoma and nearby areas.
This development comes as the Edo State Special Security Squad arrested two suspected kidnappers — Anthony Fedigha Ebimienwei and Luke Disemoh in Egbai Community, Ovia North-East LGA, following what officials described as “high-level, intelligence-driven surveillance.”
The state government urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and avoid spreading misinformation, assuring that the administration remains committed to safeguarding citizens, travellers, and investors.
