Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Finance and Operations (DIG), Sulieman Mohammed has advised herders to embrace ranching as the surest way of reducing clashes between them and farmers.
DIG Mohammed gave the advice while responding to a complaint by one of the leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in Sokoto over cattle rustling and other crimes committed against Fulani communities in Nigeria.
He maintained that open grazing is no longer feasible because of population growth.
According to him, Nigeria had cattle routes when the country’s population was about 50 million people.
“But today, the population is more than 200 million. As a result, urbanisation and settlements have taken over such routes. Therefore, I am advising that herders in Nigeria should think of establishing ranches.”
Addressing stakeholders at the Sokoto State Police Command, the DIG, who is in the state for a two-day operational visit, said that while the police and other security agencies are in the field trying to secure the country, the job of ensuring absolute security must be seen as everybody’s responsibility.
“We are here because we believe security and good governance are shared responsibilities. While our officers are on the frontline taking the battle directly to criminals and bandits, we know that the ultimate weapon against crime is unity, and a trusting and vigilant community.”
DIG Mohammed, further, appealed to both religious and traditional leaders in the state to continue preaching the sanctity of human life, speak against evil and banditry, and actively discourage youths from being recruited into criminal networks or serving as informants.
Earlier, in his welcome remarks, the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police (CP), Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, admitted that the state is critical to Nigeria’s security because it shares a porous international border with the Republic of Niger and neighbouring states such as Zamfara and Kebbi.
While thanking the DIG and the Inspector-General of Police for their continued support to the State Command, CP Shaffa promised to do more, even as he reeled out some of the successes achieved under his watch since assuming office this year.
Dignitaries, who graced the occasion include: the AIG, Zone 10; the Sector Commander of the FRSC; heads of other sister security agencies; leaders of Associations of Resident Communities; and various other groups.
