President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on herder associations across Nigeria to end open grazing, surrender illegal weapons, and fully embrace ranching, stressing that the newly established Livestock Ministry was created to address recurring herder–farmer clashes.
The President made the appeal on Wednesday in a personally signed statement issued amid emerging security concerns nationwide. He emphasised that his administration has the courage and determination to keep the country safe and ensure all citizens live in peace.
Reaffirming the government’s resolve, President Tinubu warned that those testing the nation’s determination “should not mistake its restraint for weakness.”
The President also called on the National Assembly to review relevant laws to allow states that require state police to establish them. He reaffirmed support for state governments that have created security outfits to protect citizens from terrorists seeking to disrupt national peace.
“I call on all herder associations to take advantage of it, end open grazing and surrender illegal weapons. Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony. Our administration created the Livestock Ministry to address the persistent clashes between herders and farmers,” President Tinubu stated.
He added: “In addition, our administration will support state governments which have set up security outfits to safeguard their people from the terrorists bent on disrupting our national peace. I call on the National Assembly to begin reviewing our laws to allow states that require state police to establish them.”
The President urged mosques and churches to routinely seek police and other security support during congregational gatherings, particularly in vulnerable areas, to strengthen protection for worshippers.
“This administration has the courage and determination to keep the country safe and ensure our citizens live in peace,” he added.
President Tinubu further called on states to reconsider establishing boarding schools in remote areas without adequate security and assured citizens that the Federal Government, in collaboration with the states, will partner with stakeholders to address the problem once and for all.
Calling on Nigerians to remain resilient, the President urged citizens not to yield to fear or despair and to stand united in defending the nation’s freedom and shared values. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding peaceful coexistence and preserving the country’s unity.
He appealed to Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant, report suspicious activities, and cooperate fully with security agencies, stressing that the fight against insecurity is a collective effort.
President Tinubu expressed sympathy to families who lost loved ones in recent attacks on soft targets in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States, and paid tribute to the courageous soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
“I sympathise with the families who have lost their loved ones in recent attacks on soft targets in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States. I also pay tribute to our brave soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba. Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness,” the President stated.
He concluded by praying for God’s continued protection over Nigeria and the gallant men and women of the Armed Forces.
