FCT Police Commissioner Meets Miyetti Allah Leaders, Warns Against Night Grazing

The commissioner of police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, has advised herders against night grazing and grazing within Abuja’s city centre, citing safety and security concerns.

CP Sanusi gave the warning during a courtesy visit by the FCT chapter of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore Fulani Socio-Cultural Association at the FCT Police Command headquarters in Garki, Abuja.

While addressing the delegation, he expressed concern over the use of underage children for cattle grazing, as well as the practice of night grazing and grazing within urban areas.

He warned that allowing cattle to roam along major roads and within the city poses risks to motorists, pedestrians, herders and livestock.

He urged herders to restrict grazing activities to designated outskirts and avoid farmlands in order to prevent disputes and the destruction of crops.

The police commissioner further cautioned against self-help and taking the law into one’s hands during disputes. He advised members of the association to report suspicious individuals and criminal activities within their communities to security agencies.

According to him, failure to report criminal elements could expose individuals to legal consequences if they are found to have aided or concealed such persons.

CP Sanusi also called for stronger collaboration between the association, the police and other security agencies to enhance security across the FCT.

The delegation, led by the association’s North-Central Zonal chairman, Alhaji Gidado Idris Bebeji, raised several challenges confronting herders in the FCT, including clashes with farmers and local vigilante groups, attacks by kidnappers and cattle rustlers, alleged attacks on herders, cattle poisoning, and the encroachment of traditional grazing routes by farms, estates and residential developments.

According to the association, the shrinking grazing corridors have contributed to increasing tensions between herders, farming communities and residents across parts of the territory.

The FCT commissioner assured the delegation that issues within the jurisdiction of the FCT Police Command would be addressed promptly and in accordance with the law.

CP Sanusi 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.