In a renewed effort to bring lasting peace to farmers-herders relations and sustain the cordial relationship between Fulani communities and their host settlements, the Council of Fulani Chiefs of South West Nigeria has rolled out measures aimed at curbing insecurity in the region, extending also to Kwara State in North-Central Nigeria.
This was contained in an address delivered by the Chairman of the Council and Sarki Fulani of Lagos, Mohammed Abubakar Bambado II, during a world press conference held in Lagos on Sunday, September 7, 2025.
Bambado II announced that the council had unanimously agreed to impose an absolute ban on night grazing, underage herding, and the carrying of firearms or other dangerous weapons by herders.
“This decision,” he said, “will go a long way in restoring sanity and ensuring peace within the livestock sector.”
The chairman recalled the Fulani community’s over 200 years of peaceful coexistence with indigenous landowners in Yorubaland, stressing that the council remains firmly committed to preserving and passing on this legacy of harmony to future generations.
He further disclosed that the Council of Fulani Chiefs of South West Nigeria had resolved to work in collaboration with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, describing it as the apex body of the Fulani community in the region.
Condemning all forms of criminality, the Sarki Fulani of Lagos declared:
“We condemn, in totality, any act of banditry, kidnapping, farmland destruction, or farmer-herder conflict linked to the Fulani community. We call on security agencies, particularly the Office of the National Security Adviser, to remain deeply committed to fishing out criminal elements and their collaborators within host communities. We also urge the media to report responsibly to avoid ethnic profiling.”
Bambado II also announced the council’s total ban on the unregulated influx of migrant herders with large herds of cattle into the Southwest, noting that such practices have been a major trigger for conflict.
“Considering the prevailing security realities, it is necessary to discourage indiscriminate migration of herders from one state to another. Instead, we must encourage modern and sustainable grazing patterns in our respective localities,” he said.
Other resolutions reached by the council include:
Ratification of Sarki appointments: All new appointments of Sarki Fulani or representatives must undergo scrutiny and approval by the council.
Livestock development: A comprehensive sensitisation and engagement tour will be launched to educate herders on global best practices in livestock production, adherence to the law, and peaceful coexistence.
Integration of Kwara State: The council resolved to incorporate Fulani communities in Kwara State into its structure, citing the state’s strategic border with Ekiti, Oyo, and the Benin Republic as a security concern.
Revival of nomadic education: The council called for the revival of nomadic schools across Fulani settlements, describing illiteracy as a major driver of insecurity.
Data collection initiative: A programme tagged “Cattle Farmers Data Collection Across Southwest” will be launched to document herders and their cattle for better management and development planning.
Ban on violent festivals: The council unanimously banned violent traditional festivals within Fulani communities that often result in deaths and injuries, stressing that such practices are incompatible with present security realities.
The world press conference was attended by Sarkis, Ardos, and Miyetti Allah leaders from across the Southwest and parts of the North Central zone.
