Over recent months, there have been incessant clashes between Fulani herdsmen and local farmers across Nigeria, with dire consequences. Heavily armed herdsmen have frequently attacked local farming communities after clashes with farmers who have complained about livestock eating their crops.
Last week, the inspector general of police said he would now clampdown in these herdsmen, who regularly roam around the country with AK47 assault rifles. Yesterday, the suspected herdsmen, who claimed to be on legitimate movement to some parts of the FCT, could not explain what the arms and ammunition found in their possession were meant for.
Captain Bashir Jajira, the Brigade of Guards spokesman, said the weapons found in the vehicles used by the herdsmen range from pump action rifles to knives and assorted charms. He added that a group of 36 herdsmen in a Diana and a Toyota truck with registration numbers ABJ KUJ 994 FX and Niger SUL 541 XA were intercepted and arrested at the 177 Guards Battalion Keffi checkpoint.
During the course of investigation by the soldiers at the checkpoint, the herdsmen claimed to be going to Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. After a thorough check of the vehicles, the following items were recovered - one pump action shotgun, 19 dane guns, 118 cartridges of ammunition, 28 cutlasses, three jack knives, 14 sticks, seven torch lights; a certificate of occupancy, assorted charms and hard drugs.
Also yesterday at about 4pm, Captain Jajiri said another 56 herdsmen were arrested in the Dantata, Gwagwalada general area, carrying 26 dane guns, 49 cutlasses and knives. When interrogated, the herdsmen said they were on the lookout for those that stole their cows.
He added that the suspects would be handed over to the police for investigation and possible prosecution. Over the last month, there have been several very bloody clashes involving Fulani herdsmen, especially in Benue State.
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