The Nigerian Senate has proposed the establishment of modern cattle ranches across the country to address the rising insecurity linked to herder-related violence. During its plenary session on Tuesday, the upper chamber directed its National Security and Intelligence, Livestock, and Agriculture Committees to collaborate with the federal government in actualizing this initiative.
Additionally, the Senate resolved to enact legislation that would limit the movement of cattle from neighboring countries into Nigeria, a measure aimed at controlling cross-border activities that contribute to insecurity.
The resolutions followed a motion presented by Senator Anthony Siyako, who drew attention to a recent attack in Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State. Senator Siyako recounted that on Thursday night, suspected armed herders invaded the villages of Sansani, Kalindi, Powishi, and Lawushi Daji on motorcycles, wreaking havoc on residents. The attackers reportedly killed several people, burned houses, and destroyed food supplies and livestock.
The senator expressed concern over the growing threat to peace and security in Gombe and neighboring states such as Taraba, Bauchi, and Adamawa. He highlighted the devastating impact of these attacks on food security, economic activities, and the displacement of countless residents.
Senator Siyako urged the Senate to call on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Ajayi, to investigate the attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice. He also recommended the deployment of a joint police and military task force in Billiri to curb the violence.
Further, he called on the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the North-East Development Commission to provide relief materials for affected victims.
During the debate, senators expressed their concerns and offered suggestions. Senator Abdul Ningi of Bauchi Central criticized the misuse of security votes allocated to state governors, stressing the need for effective strategies to address insecurity. Senator Titus Zam of Benue North-West proposed that herders should be restricted to ranches, emphasizing the need for legislation to criminalize open grazing and uncontrolled cattle movement.
Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, underscored the importance of restricting the movement of cattle and individuals from foreign countries into Nigeria, suggesting a review of the ECOWAS treaty provisions. Similarly, Bayelsa West Senator Seriake Dickson supported the establishment of modern ranches, describing it as a viable solution to the insecurity problem.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who sympathized with the victims, stressed the urgency of finding a lasting solution to banditry, particularly in the northern regions, which have become hotspots for such violence.
The motion, put to a vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, received overwhelming support. Akpabio expressed condolences to the victims and their families and directed the senators to observe a minute of silence in honor of those who lost their lives in the attacks.
The Senate’s deliberations mark a renewed commitment to tackling insecurity in the country through long-term policy solutions and legislative measures.
By Saifullahi Muhammad
