Farmers/Herders Clashes: IGP Idris Shuns Govs On Anti-open Grazing Laws
BY EDMOND ODOK, KADUNA – The Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris says the Nigeria Police will not assist States without established ranches to implement the law prohibiting open rearing and grazing in their domains.
This is as he blamed recurring clashes between farmers and herders in Nigeria on some State Governments’ enactment and improper implementation of anti-open rearing and grazing legislations.
Speaking at the Northern States Stakeholders Security Summit in Kaduna on Wednesday, IGP Idris insisted that; “It is when grazing ranches are established that herders can be arrested and punished for rearing and grazing on the open places.”
Further washing his hands off the controversial legislation, Idris said that before enacting anti-open grazing laws, State governors should prioritise the establishment of cattle ranches in order to prevent recurring conflicts between farmers and herdsmen in different parts of the country
IGP Idris told participants at the Summit, with the theme, ‘National Building: Security Challenges and the Need for Inclusive Approach’, that “It ¡s my humble suggestion that to reduce the incidence of clashes between farmers and herders in Nigeria, State Governments should endeavour to establish grazing ranches in their various states before enacting laws to prohibit open rearing and grazing.”
The Police boss, who spoke against the backdrop of recent accusation of bias by the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, maintained that; “Doing so, I am of the opinion that it will make the law acceptable by all the parties concerned and other critical stakeholders in that all important sector.
“It will do us good if we avoid the hasty formulation and implementation of such laws across the country in the interest of peace and unity.’’
He said the crisis in Benue would have been mitigated, if the state had first established grazing ranches before prohibiting open grazing, explaining that the President has mandated the police to adopt “strategies effective enough to end the recurring Herders/Farmers clashes in Nigeria.’’
“It must however be noted that Framers/Herders clashes did not start with this administration, yet this administration has taken more measures to end the crisis than any previous regime”, Alhaji Idris said
The IGP informed the Summit that the Police have made some arrest in Benue and other places, warning that there would be no sacred cows, as those who violate the law would be arrested and prosecuted accordingly to serve as deterrent to perpetrators of crimes and criminality in the country.
On the problem of banditry in Zamfara, the IGP said the Buhari administration has taken adequate steps to avert future occurrence, adding; “Some arrests have already been made and the outcome of investigation will be made known soonest.’’
He also said that efforts at tackling kidnapping nationwide are yielding positive results with the Force arresting over 200 kidnappers, armed robbery and cattle rustling suspects in various parts of the country since December 2017 till date.
The Police chief further disclosed that “Over 50 AK 47 Rifles, 20 English made pistols, two 5MG Rifles, over 1000 rounds of AK 47 Rifles and other assorted pistols ammunition were recovered from them”, stressing that; “These recoveries raise serious alarm on the number of illegal arms and ammunition at the disposal of criminals and bandits. This must not be allowed to continue especially as the 2019 general election is fast approaching.”
IGP Idris, who stated that there is a directive to all Police Commissioners in the 36 states and FCT to mop up of illegally acquired arms and ammunition within 21 days, however accused some state governments of arming so-called security outfits with all sorts of nomenclature.
He warned that at the expiration of the 21-day ultimatum, the Police would not hesitate to arrest and prosecute any individual or groups found with prohibited firearms.
The IGP, who also commented on the forthcoming 2019 general elections, urged politicians to shun acts capable of truncating the electoral process, saying; “Election context must not be a do or die affair. It must be approached with the spirit of sportsmanship. Politicians should as a matter of urgent national importance begin to educate their supporters on the need for violent free elections.”
For him, all well meaning Nigerians must support the security agencies to make the country safer for all, just as he maintained that the nation’s security architecture and infrastructure would weak and ineffective without the people.
“The people are the main reason why the architecture is reliable and dependable. You are the building block, without you it will not stand. I urge you to stand strong with the Police in the fight against criminality”, Idris stated.
According to him, the Nigeria police would not renege in its constitutional duties of efficiently and effectively protecting and ensuring the safety of lives and property of Nigerians as the Force seeks to earn the trust and respect of all citizens.
