NEC bans free movement of herdsmen in Benue, Taraba, others

The National Economic Council (NEC) has banned the free movement of herdsmen in the country, starting with Benue, Taraba, Adamawa, Kaduna and Plateau States.

The decision was made at a meeting presided over by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday.

The council in a move to provide solution to the killings by herdsmen, also approved the creation of ranches across the country.

Dave Umahi, governor of Ebonyi state, disclosed this to state house correspondents at the end of the NEC meeting, which held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Umahi said the five most affected states, which have witnessed killings from the herdsmen/farmers clashes, are expected to make land available for ranches.

“With ranching, the nomadic herdsmen and their families would be able to access good medical facilities and good schools for their children if they stay in one place.

“Ranching would also improve the well-being of the cattle.”

He added that herdsmen from neighbouring countries would be expected to show some travel documents, even though visa is not allowed for movement of those from West African countries.

Audu Ogbeh, Minister of Agriculture, on his part said the federal government will no longer allow the killings to continue.

Ogbeh added that Nigeria may no longer be able to keep to the ECOWAS protocol on free movement of persons.

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