FCT CP warns Miyetti Allah against open grazing in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, has warned the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore Fulani Socio-Cultural Association against allowing underage children to engage in cattle grazing, as well as against night grazing and grazing within towns and the city centre in the nation’s capital, Abuja.

Sanusi gave the warning on Monday when he received a delegation of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore Fulani Socio-Cultural Association, FCT Chapter, led by the North-Central Zonal Chairman, Alhaji Gidado Idris Bebeji, at the Command Headquarters, Garki, Abuja, on a courtesy visit.

During the meeting, the delegation highlighted challenges affecting its members within the FCT, including clashes with farmers, conflicts with local vigilante groups, attacks by kidnappers and cattle rustlers, attacks on herders, poisoning of cattle by farmers, and the gradual encroachment of traditional grazing routes by farms, estates and residential developments, which it said had contributed to rising tensions between herders, residents and farming communities.

In a statement issued to journalists on Tuesday by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the Command said: “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 addressed and handled in accordance with the law. 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 CP further pledged to engage farmers, community leaders and other local stakeholders with a view to addressing areas of disagreement and fostering peaceful coexistence. He emphasised that mutual understanding and respect among herders, farmers and host communities remain necessary to sustaining peace and preventing conflicts.

“While addressing the delegation, the Commissioner of Police expressed concern over the practice of allowing underaged children to undertake cattle grazing, as well as night grazing and grazing within towns and the city centre.

“He warned against grazing cattle along major roads and within urban areas, noting that such practices endanger members of the public, the herders themselves and their livestock. He advised that grazing activities should be restricted to the outskirts and that farmlands should be avoided in order to prevent disputes and destruction of crops.”

The statement further added: “The CP also cautioned against taking the law into one’s hands whenever disputes arise. He warned against harbouring criminals and urged members of the association to promptly report strange persons, suspicious movements and unusual activities within their communities to the Police.

He stressed that failure to report criminal elements, allowing the Police to discover such persons through other means, could result in those involved being treated as accomplices under the law.

“The Commissioner of Police further called on the association to strengthen collaboration with the Police and other security agencies.

“The leaders of the association appreciated the CP for granting them an audience and pledged to work closely with the Command in promoting peace and security across the Federal Capital Territory.”