Buhari warns returnee herdsmen, Katsina communities over clashes

President Muhammadu Buhari has warned herdsmen and communities in Katsina state to stop taking the law into their hands by resorting to violence at every provocation.

A statement issued in Abuja on Friday by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity), noted that the herdsmen which, it said are returning from the South due to the rainy season, must respect the boundaries of farmers and villagers, while the communities must refrain from attacking herdsmen.

It said the President’s warning followed a brief on incidents that triggered violence and loss of lives in Katsina State on Wednesday.

He has now directed immediate reinforcement of the security architecture in the state, and prosecution of all those involved in the conflict.

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The President commiserated with families that lost loved ones in the attacks from herdsmen, assuring the state that the security structure will be further strengthened to avoid unnecessary violence between herdsmen and communities.

Buhari, who commended the State Government for providing logistic support to security outfits to carry out their operations of protecting innocent citizens, said the Federal Government will continue to create enabling environment for citizens to go about their businesses without fear of harassments or violence.

The President directed security outfits in the state and all parts of the country to work towards preventive, rather than reactionary measures; strengthen inter-agency intelligence sharing and deploy updated security platforms; and ensure partnership and harmonious relationship with community leaders and members for local intelligence.