The Council of Fulani Chiefs in South-West Nigeria has confirmed its commitment to banning night grazing, underage herding, and the carrying of firearms by herders.

The move is aimed at stopping repeated clashes between herders and farmers and ensuring peaceful coexistence with local communities.

Mohammed Bambado, Sarki Fulani of Lagos and chairman of the council, urged security agencies to take action against criminals who worsen the situation.

Bambado recalled that the Fulani community has enjoyed over 200 years of peaceful life in the South-West and stressed that the council is determined to maintain this harmony for future generations.

The council also promised to strengthen its partnership with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN Commission) to enhance regional security.

It condemned crimes like banditry, kidnapping, farmland destruction, and conflicts linked to some members of the Fulani community.

The chiefs called on the Office of the National Security Adviser to prosecute those involved in such crimes. They also announced plans to educate herders on modern livestock management and the importance of obeying the law.

Additionally, they highlighted the need to include Kwara State in regional security efforts because of its porous borders with Ekiti, Oyo, and Benin Republic, and emphasized reviving nomadic education centres to tackle illiteracy, which fuels insecurity.

The council revealed a “Cattle Farmers Data Collection” project across the South-West to document herders and support development.

They also banned violent Fulani festivals and carnivals that have caused injuries and deaths, saying these cultural events do not align with the country’s current security needs.