President Bola Tinubu has issued a decisive directive to herders nationwide, urging them to abandon open grazing, submit all unlicensed firearms, and adopt ranching as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to halt the persistent farmer–herder clashes fuelling insecurity across several regions.
The President’s call, released on Wednesday, reflects a renewed push to arrest surging violence, including recent school kidnappings in Niger and Kebbi states and ongoing tensions in the North Central corridor, where communities continue to count losses from clashes linked to land use, grazing routes, and retaliatory attacks.
Tinubu described ranching as “the sustainable route for modern livestock management and national cohesion,” stressing that the era of free-range grazing — often at the centre of deadly confrontations — must give way to structured, technology-driven ranch systems capable of boosting productivity while reducing friction with farming communities.
Underpinning this approach is the newly established Ministry of Livestock Development, positioned as the administration’s long-term lever for transforming livestock production. The President encouraged herder unions and traditional leaders to work closely with the ministry in transitioning to ranch-based operations, modernising breeding practices, and fostering a culture of accountability.
He further appealed to religious centres in vulnerable areas to heighten coordination with security services, particularly during large gatherings, underscoring the evolving tactics of criminal groups who continue to exploit soft targets.
As part of the wider security recalibration, Tinubu disclosed that the Federal Government and state governments are jointly developing frameworks to support ranch establishment and intensify crackdowns on illegal arms circulation — a major catalyst in the escalation of communal violence.
In Edo State, authorities have stepped up operations after a viral video showed a self-acclaimed bandit issuing threats to communities around Ekpoma. Governor Monday Okpebholo, through his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, reassured residents of enhanced security coverage following a high-level strategy session with service commanders.
The Edo Special Security Squad recently intercepted two alleged kidnappers during an intelligence-driven sweep in Egbai community, Ovia North-East Local Government Area, a development the government says reflects its zero-tolerance approach to emerging threats.
Residents were urged to stay vigilant, avoid circulating unverified content, and cooperate with security agencies as the state works to safeguard local communities, businesses, and transport routes.
