Image: AFP

The Federal Government has banned open grazing of cattle by cattle rearers nationwide.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mukhtar Maiha, made the declaration today at the inauguration of the 1st National Council on Livestock Development in Yola, Adamawa State.

The government is convinced that the ban will curb the persistent farmers-herders conflicts across the country.

The minister lamented that the ongoing farmers-herders clashes have resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of thousands of Nigerians.

“Nigerians have been subjected to untold hardships, including the killing of innocent farmers and herders, as a result of open grazing.

There is an urgent need to put a stop to this problem,” Maiha said.

He emphasized that open grazing is now considered a capital offense, urging cattle rearers to embrace ranching as a safer and more profitable method.

“Ranching will not only prevent conflicts but also improve the quality and weight of cattle for better business,” the minister added.

At least 11 residents of Isapa, a community close to Eruku in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have been abducted.

The attack happened barely 24 hours after victims abducted during a church service were released.

A Christ Apostolic Church in Ekuru was holding a thanksgiving service to celebrate the freedom of 18 worshippers kidnapped about a month ago when gunmen broke in and abducted 38 persons after gunning down three.

The fresh attack, which occurred around 6:00 p.m. yesterday, it was gathered, was carried out by an estimated 20 to 30 terrorists.

They reportedly fired sporadically as they advanced, forcing residents to flee for safety.

An elderly woman was reportedly hit by a stray bullet during the incident.

A community leader, who confirmed the development under strict anonymity, said “eleven people were kidnapped, seven of them from the same household.

“The victims include a pregnant woman, two nursing mothers, and several young children”, he said.

Those abducted were identified as Talatu Kabiru, 20; Magaji, 6; Kande, 5; Hadiza, 10; Mariam, 6; Saima, 5; a housewife, Habibat; another housewife, Fatima Yusufu; a pregnant woman, Sarah Sunday, 22; a nursing mother, Lami Fidelis, 23; and another nursing mother, Haja Na Allah.

Eyewitnesses said the gunmen moved through sections of the town, leaving bullet holes in walls and doors.

Expended AK-47 shells were later recovered from several points in the community after the attackers retreated with their captives.

It was gathered that the situation has heightened tension across Isapa and surrounding settlements as security agencies and local vigilante groups intensify efforts to locate the kidnappers and rescue the victims.

Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, confirmed the incident, saying, “Yes, there was an incident, but I cannot say much now. I am about to enter Isapa from Ilorin. I will update you when I get there.”

Nigeria is currently witnessing one of its worse security crisis in history.

This has led to mass closure of schools, especially in the North.

……Awards N5m Compensation and Medicare.

Barely one month after directing the payment of N10 million compensation to Abuja businesswoman Mrs Chineze Ozoadibe, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, has ordered the immediate release of Mr Kenneth Okechukwu Nwafor from Isuikwuato LGA, Abia State, who has been in detention since July 2022 over alleged links to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Mr Nwafor was also awarded N5 million in compensation and granted free medical care. Credible security sources disclosed that a comprehensive review of inherited cases exonerated him completely.

In the same vein, three other Abia indigenes – Udemba, Onyedikachi and Eze – earlier detained on similar IPOB-related allegations have been released after investigations cleared them.

A senior DSS source told journalists: “The DG gave a standing order for thorough case-by-case reviews of all pending and inherited detentions to ensure justice and due process. Mr Nwafor’s case is one of many that have been resolved under this directive.

”The source described the actions as evidence of Mr Ajayi’s commitment to the rule of law, accountability and swift remediation of operational errors.

Since assuming office, the DSS boss has overseen several high-profile compensations, including:- N20 million (double the court-awarded N10 million) to a Jos businessman mistakenly shot in the leg during a 2016 operation;- N10 million to Mrs Ozoadibe last month;- Additional N10 million shared among five other wrongly accused persons in the same matter.

“Mr Ajayi believes that when mistakes occur, the honourable thing is to correct them promptly and fairly and transparently. That culture is now firmly established in the Service,” the source added.

The latest releases and compensations have been widely seen as part of ongoing reforms to restore public trust in the agency.