IGP makes case for herdsmen, tells govs to establish ranches before talks of arrests

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, has said that the only time herdsmen can be arrested and punished for rearing and grazing on the open places is when ranches are established by state governments.

The IGP who stated this on Wednesday, therefore called on state governors to ensure they establish cattle ranches in their states before enacting laws to ban open grazing.

Noting that the reason Benue State crisis worsened was because the state government failed to first establish cattle ranches, Idris insisted that establishing ranches will go a long way to prevent conflict between farmers and herdsmen.

He stated this during the northern states Stakeholders Security Summit in Kaduna State, with the theme, “National Building: Security Challenges and the Need for Inclusive Approach.”

The IGP said, “It is my suggestion that to reduce clashes between farmers and herders, state governments should endeavour to establish grazing ranches in their various states before enacting laws to prohibit open rearing and grazing.

“It is when grazing ranches are established that herders can be arrested and punished for rearing and grazing on the open places. I am of the opinion that it will make the law acceptable by all the parties concerned and other critical stakeholders. It will do us good if we avoid the hasty formulation and implementation of such (anti-grazing) laws across the country in the interest of peace and unity.”

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According to Idris, herdsmen crisis did not start with the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

On arrests of suspected cattle rustlers, kidnappers and others, he revealed that from December 2017 till date, that police have arrested over 200 suspects in various parts of the country.

“Over 50 AK-47 rifles, 20 English made pistols, two 5MG rifles and over 1,000 rounds of AK-47 rifles and other assorted pistols, ammunition were recovered from the suspects,” he added.

 

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