UPDATED: Buhari breaks silence on killings by ‘herdsmen’, orders IGP to apprehend culprits
President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the inspector-general of police (IGP) and security agencies to stop the killings by suspected herdsmen across the country.
The president, who broke silence on the carnage by herdsmen in Enugu state, said that the development has become a priority in the agenda of his administration.
“Following continuing reports of attacks by ‘herdsmen’ on communities across the country, particularly Monday’s attack on Ukpabi Nimbo in Enugu State, President Muhammadu Buhari assures all Nigerians, once again, of his administration’s continued commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property in all parts of the country,” a statement issued by Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, read.
“President Buhari unreservedly condemns the attack on Ukpabi Nimbo on other such acts of extreme violence against communities in other states of the federation.
“Acting on the president’s directive, the inspector-general of police and heads of the nation’s other security agencies are already taking urgent steps to fully investigate the attacks, apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
“Ending the recent upsurge of attacks on communities by herdsmen reportedly armed with sophisticated weapons is now a priority on the Buhari administration’s agenda for enhanced national security and the armed forces and police have clear instructions to take all necessary action to stop the carnage.
“In keeping with the president’s directive, the inspector-general of police, the general officer commanding the 82nd division of the Nigeria army and the director of the Department of State Security in Enugu state have, visited Ukpabi Nimbo to personally oversee investigations into the attack on the community and ongoing efforts to apprehend the culprits.
“Meanwhile, President Buhari is scheduled to meet with Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi later today to receive further briefing on the attack on Ukpabi Nimbo and discuss additional measures to forestall similar attacks and restore public confidence.
“The president urges all Nigerians to remain calm and assures them of his administration’s readiness to deploy all required personnel and resources to remove this new threat to the collective security of the nation.”
An unspecified number of people were killed in Enugu on Monday by suspected herdsmen – although five of them were confirmed killed in Nimbo, Uzo-Uwani local government area, according to NAN.
This was preceded by killings in Agatu, Benue state, also blamed on herdsmen.
Like seriously, IGP has to await the orders from Buhari to perform his basic, primary, fundamental, constitutional duties. I do not need to be ‘Solomon’ to understand the fact thaf the IGP was hitherto restrained by the Presidency from doing his Job. God will judge all evil diets and those who aid them. ‘Change’ indeed!!!
It is “convenient” at last for mr president to speak up eventually regarding his beloved herdsmen. God almighty alone has the final say. Nobody’s wisdom surpasses God’s.
The various state government should outlaw any form of grazing in their state.By virtue of Land Use Act 1978,every land in the state belongs to the governor as such irrespective of the federal government the state can legislate to outlaw grazing in their various states.Furthermore Vigilant group could be equipped as alternative to police( e.g OPC or Bakassi model,)We have no reason to stand watchwwhile
thank God he finally broke his silence. I wonder what being keeping from restraining his kinsmen all this while.
God help nigeria
So its the standard rule now for the President to speak by proxy on a raging national issue that deserves a national presidential broadcast to address? Let’s stop deceiving ourselves, PMB hasn’t said anything on the threat of the Fulani herdsmen to our national security. You don’t handle such issues by proxy. Who has heard the voice of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo since then?