By Barth Ikiebe
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has taken the bull by the horn towards addressing persistent security and civic challenges involving herders and the controversial practice of cattle roaming in the city centre.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Ajao Adewale, convened a landmark meeting last Sunday with leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association at the Command Headquarters in Garki II, Abuja.
The session brought together leaders from the three main blocs of the association — Miyetti Allah MACBAN, Miyetti Allah KAUTAHURI, and Miyetti Allah FALAKO YESU-YESU. It was the first time an FCT Police Commissioner had held such a joint engagement with the group’s leadership.
CP Adewale, in his opening remarks, raised concern over the frequent involvement of herders in violent disputes, warning that such crises undermine peace, economic activity, and Abuja’s standing as the nation’s capital.
He stressed that cattle roaming in the city centre must stop, describing it as a practice that disrupts traffic, creates tension among residents, and tarnishes the image of a modern federal capital. “Abuja is for everyone. Peaceful coexistence is non-negotiable,” he said firmly.
The Commissioner explained that while herders’ livelihoods were important, they must be balanced with the rights of other residents. He urged the leaders to embrace modern ranching practices and to discourage their members from allowing cattle to wander into city roads and neighborhoods.
In response, the Miyetti Allah leaders commended the initiative, noting that it marked the first interactive session they had ever held with an FCT Police Commissioner. They described it as a welcome opportunity to clear misconceptions and forge common ground.
The association pledged cooperation with law enforcement and assured that the resolutions reached would be communicated to their members without delay. They also promised to provide feedback to the Police Command within a week on steps taken to enforce compliance.
According to the leaders, their members also desire peace and are willing to adapt, provided that they are treated fairly and supported in transitioning away from practices that spark conflict.
The dialogue, which lasted several hours, was described by observers as frank yet constructive, with both sides agreeing that the status quo could no longer continue.
In a statement after the meeting, the Police Command reiterated its commitment to enforcing the agreements. It assured residents that officers would monitor compliance and work with other stakeholders to resolve grazing land disputes amicably.
The statement by the spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, also outlined plans to strengthen community policing strategies, which would involve closer collaboration between herders, farmers, and local communities to prevent violence before it escalates.
She explained that the engagement was part of a broader effort to build trust, foster dialogue, and reduce the risk of recurring conflicts.
Adeh further reminded residents that emergency hotlines remain active for reporting incidents or suspicious activity. The numbers include 08061581938 and 08032003913, while complaints may also be lodged via the Complaint Response Unit on 08107314192.
For many Abuja residents, the meeting signals a hopeful turning point, a chance for dialogue to replace confrontation, and for the capital city to move closer to a secure and orderly society.
