Northern govs, IGP ban herdsmen from carrying arms to public places 

Governors of eleven states from the North West and North East, in collaboration with the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Adamu Muhammed, have banned herdsmen from carrying arms to public places like markets and places of worship.

The ban was contained in a communique read by Katsina State governor, Aminu Bello Masari after a meeting of the state governors and the IGP in Katsina on Thursday.

Volunteer groups known as Yansakai, were equally banned in all the states that make up the North-West of the country and directed directed to surrender all weapons in their possession.

Masari said efforts would be made to ensure that herdsmen have access to improved breed of cattle.

“Herdsmen and their families should be allowed to attend markets and worship places, as well as their day-to-day activities, provided that they don’t carry arms into the public places,” Masari said.

“That herdsmen should conduct themselves and live peacefully with one another.

“That those who stole animals should return them through government or the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association.

“That the repentant bandits, including the Yansakai, should surrender all arms and ammunition in their possession to the authorities and release people that are in their captivity.”

The governor said secretaries to the governments of the 11 states that attended the meeting have been directed to stay behind and further perfect the resolutions.