CP Sanusi Pledges Action as Miyetti Allah Raises Herder-Farmer Conflict Concerns in FCT

THE Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, has assured leaders of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore Fulani Socio-Cultural Association that their grievances over escalating conflicts with farmers and local communities will be addressed in accordance with the law.

During a courtesy visit to the Command Headquarters in Garki, Abuja, on Tuesday, a delegation led by the North-Central Zonal Chairman, Alhaji Gidado Idris Bebeji, outlined a catalogue of challenges affecting Fulani herders within the FCT.

These include clashes with farmers, confrontations with local vigilante groups, attacks by kidnappers and cattle rustlers, poisoning of livestock by farmers, and the progressive encroachment of traditional grazing routes by farms, housing estates and residential developments – a trend they said had fuelled tensions between herders, residents and farming communities.

Dr Sanusi acknowledged the concerns and assured the delegation that matters falling within the Command’s remit would be dealt with promptly and lawfully.

However, he noted that some of the issues raised lay outside the FCT Police Command’s mandate and pledged to refer them to the appropriate authorities for further action.

The Commissioner also committed to engaging farmers, community leaders and other local stakeholders in a bid to resolve areas of disagreement and foster peaceful coexistence.

He stressed that mutual understanding and respect among herders, farmers and host communities were essential to sustaining peace and preventing future conflicts.

Turning to operational practices, Dr Sanusi expressed concern over the use of underaged children for cattle grazing, as well as night grazing and the movement of livestock within towns and the city centre.

He warned against grazing along major roads and inside urban areas, noting that such activities endangered not only members of the public but also the herders and their animals.

He advised that grazing should be confined to the outskirts and that farmlands must be avoided to prevent crop destruction and disputes.

The CP also cautioned against self-help and vigilantism whenever disputes arose, and warned that harbouring criminals would not be tolerated.

He urged association members to promptly report strange persons, suspicious movements and unusual activities to the Police, stressing that failure to do so – and allowing the authorities to discover criminal elements through other means – could result in those involved being treated as accomplices under the law.

Dr Sanusi further called on the association to strengthen collaboration with the Police and other security agencies to enhance intelligence sharing and community safety.

In response, the Miyetti Allah leaders expressed appreciation for the Commissioner’s audience and pledged to work closely with the Command in promoting peace and security across the Federal Capital Territory.