The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar, has asked the
Federal Government to probe the sources of weapons used by herdsmen accused of
attacking Nigerian communities.
This is contained in his Eid-el Fitr message delivered on
Sunday in Sokoto.
“Real herdsmen do not carry guns; they only move with their
cows and sticks”, he said.
“There could be bad eggs among the Fulani, but those
carrying arms and perpetrating heinous killings are not herdsmen.
“Those carrying arms are criminals and should be treated as
such.
“Government should probe the sources of these weapons and
take appropriate action so as to minimise these attacks”.
Abubakar hailed measures aimed at combating insurgency in
the north-east, and cautioned against complacency as the problem was not over.
The revered monarch urged Muslims to reflect on, and uphold
the virtues of the Ramadan fast that included patience, perseverance and
brotherliness.
Meanwhile, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG),
Udom Ekpoudom, has lamented the audacity of Fulani herdsmen and how they
conduct themselves in other people’s territory.
He said their activities across the country totally violate
the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
By Wale Odunsi
