The Nigerian leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has called on Herder Associations nationwide to end open grazing, surrender illegal weapons, and fully embrace ranching, emphasising that the newly established Livestock Ministry was created to address the recurring herder–farmer clashes.
The President stated this on Wednesday in a personally signed statement issued in view of the emerging security situation across Nigeria.
The president emphasised that his administration has the courage and determination to keep the country safe and ensure all citizens live in peace.
Reaffirming the government’s resolve, President Tinubu cautioned that those testing the nation’s determination should not mistake its restraint for weakness.
While calling on the National Assembly to begin the review of relevant laws to enable states that require state police to establish them, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s support for state governments that have created security outfits to protect their citizens from terrorists determined to undermine the nation’s peace
“I call on all herder associations to take advantage of it, end open grazing and surrender illegal weapons. Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony. Our administration created the Livestock Ministry to address the persistent clashes between herders and farmers.
“In addition, our administration will support state governments which have set up security outfits to safeguard their people from the terrorists bent on disrupting our national peace.
“I call on the National Assembly to begin reviewing our laws to allow states that require state police to establish them.
President Tinubu urged that mosques and churches should routinely seek police and other security support during congregational gatherings, particularly in vulnerable areas, to strengthen protection for worshippers.
“This administration has the courage and determination to keep the country safe and ensure our citizens live in peace.” He added.
The President further called on states to rethink establishing boarding schools in remote areas without adequate security.
President Tinubu assured citizens that the Federal Government, working in collaboration with the states, will partner with stakeholders to address the problem once and for all.
Call To Nigerians
The President urged Nigerians not to yield to fear or succumb to despair, calling on citizens to stand united in purpose and strength to defend the nation’s freedom and shared values.
He reaffirmed that his administration remains committed to safeguarding peaceful coexistence and preserving the country’s unity.
President Tinubu appealed to Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant, report suspicious activities, and cooperate fully with security agencies.
He highlighted that the fight against insecurity is a collective effort, expressing confidence that, together, the nation will prevail.
The President expressed deep sympathy to the families who lost loved ones in the recent attacks on soft targets in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States.
He also paid tribute to the courageous soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
“I sympathise with the families who have lost their loved ones in recent attacks on soft targets in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States. I also pay tribute to our brave soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
“Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness.”
He prayed for God’s continued protection over Nigeria and the gallant men and women of the Armed Forces.