KOGI STATE POLICE COMMAND
PRESS RELEASE
KOGI STATE POLICE COMMAND CONVENES STRATEGIC STAKEHOLDERS’ MEETING TO ADDRESS FARMERS/HERDERS CLASHES
The Kogi State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, psc, mni, today convened a crucial stakeholders’ meeting at the State Command Headquarters aimed at addressing the recurring clashes between herders and host community farmers in parts of the State.
The meeting had in attendance critical stakeholders including the Local Government Chairmen of Idah, Ibaji, Dekina, Bassa, and Ankpa LGAs, the State Chairman of Miyetti Allah Association of Fulani Herders, traditional rulers of affected host communities, youth representatives, all Area Commanders within the affected areas, as well as members of the Command Management Team.
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The engagement provided a neutral platform for both herders and farmers to openly air their grievances, concerns, and perspectives on the root causes of the conflicts. Key issues raised included destruction of farmlands by grazing cattle, reprisal attacks, inadequate communication channels, and the activities of unruly elements within both groups. The Commissioner of Police, alongside the Local Government Chairmen, played a mediatory role, fostering dialogue, mutual understanding, and peaceful conflict resolution, while stakeholders emphasized tolerance, cooperation, and respect for the rule of law.
After extensive deliberations, all parties reached a consensus and unanimously agreed on the following resolutions:
1. No person shall take the law into his hands.
2. All host communities and Fulani herders are to forgive each other for past happenings.
3. A committee of host communities and Fulani herders for dispute resolution is to be formed in each Local Government Area.
4. Kogi State Government is to look into the possibility of compensating victims of the February 2026 Ibaji and Idah crisis, where many people and cattle were killed and farm produce destroyed.
5. Community leaders are to warn and restrain youth groups from taking the law into their hands.
6. Both Fulani herders and host communities are to desist from possessing or using illegal arms and offensive weapons.
7. Fulani herders are to desist from the use of underage children in tending to their cattle.
8. The Kogi State Government should consider creating grazing areas for the cattle of Fulani herders to reduce farmer-herder clashes in Kogi State.
9. All communities are to continue maintaining peace and security and report all cases to security agencies for necessary action.
10. All newly settled or migrating Fulani herdsmen must be properly identified, and their biodata captured in host communities by the Fulani Ardos in those communities.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, psc, mni, remains resolute in strengthening community-based policing strategies and fostering collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure lasting peace, security, and development across Kogi State, while the Command reassures residents of its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urges continued cooperation with security agencies through the provision of credible information.
ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat
Police Public Relations Officer
Kogi State Command
Lokoja
9th April, 2026
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, APRIL 10TH 2026)
