Key Points

• Tinubu urges herders to end open grazing and hand in illegal guns.

• Government prepares ranching framework with states.

• Edo boosts security after threats and fresh abduction fears.

President Bola Tinubu has urged herders to end open grazing, hand over illegal firearms, and move fully into ranching as part of a new national plan to ease the long-running conflict between herding communities and farmers.

In a statement on Wednesday, the president explained that the federal government is pushing long-term solutions to the violent clashes that continue to unsettle several northern and central states.

The conflict has deepened instability in rural areas and has worsened fears as school kidnappings rise in Niger, Kebbi, and other regions.

Tinubu noted that ranching offers a clearer path for livestock production and for easing tensions over land use.

He told herder groups to take the step now and work with authorities to remove illegal weapons from circulation.

Calls for cooperation with security agencies

The President appealed to mosques and churches, especially in high risk communities, to maintain close contact with security agencies during prayers and gatherings.

He said the move is meant to strengthen protection while security forces respond to a wave of attacks and abductions.

Tinubu pointed to the creation of the Ministry of Livestock as a major part of his administration’s plan to modernise livestock management.

He encouraged herder associations to work with the ministry on ranch-based operations and updated production methods.

He added that farmer and herder clashes have aggravated insecurity for years. The problem ranges from land disputes to deadly confrontations in the Middle Belt and other regions.

Government prepares frameworks for ranch development

The new livestock policy aims to protect farming communities and herders while reducing pressure on land.

Tinubu explained that the Federal Government, with support from states, will roll out frameworks for ranch development and take more steps to limit illegal arms movement.

Edo heightens security after threat from self styled bandit

The Edo State Government also raised security across the state on Wednesday after a man in a viral video threatened communities in the Edo Central Senatorial District.

In a statement, Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, said the state had deployed more security resources and assured residents of steady protection. The governor held a security meeting after the video spread through local communities.

The Edo State Special Security Squad recently arrested two suspected kidnappers, Anthony Fedigha Ebimienwei and Luke Disemoh, in Egbai community in Ovia North East Local Government Area.

The arrests followed what the squad described as intelligence driven surveillance.

The government encouraged residents to stay calm and alert and asked them to avoid spreading false information.

Governor Okpebholo restated his administration’s commitment to safeguarding residents, travelers, and investors.