FCT Police, Miyetti Allah meet over roaming, clashes

FCT Police Miyetti Allah meeting addresses cattle roaming and communal clashes as CP Adewale warns against lawlessness in Abuja city centre

FCT Police Miyetti Allah meeting was held on Wednesday as the Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Adewale, met with leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association to address rising communal clashes and the issue of cattle roaming in Abuja’s city centre.

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The meeting took place at the FCT Police Command Headquarters in Garki II and included representatives from the three major factions of the association: Miyetti Allah MACBAN, Miyetti Allah Kautahuri, and Miyetti Allah Falako Yesu-Yesu.

According to a statement released Thursday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, CP Adewale expressed concern over the increasing reports of communal violence involving herders and reiterated that the continued presence of roaming cattle in the capital city was unacceptable.

“The Commissioner of Police expressed concern over the frequent involvement of their members in communal conflicts,” the statement noted.

“He emphasised the need for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect for the rights of all citizens, while firmly warning against the practice of cattle roaming within the FCT city centre.”

The FCT Police Miyetti Allah meeting comes amid renewed public frustration over the enforcement of open grazing policies.

Although FCT Minister Nyesom Wike initially vowed to end open grazing upon taking office in August 2023, he later walked back the promise in May 2025, citing the complexity of implementation and the need for caution.

Responding at the meeting, Miyetti Allah leaders praised the engagement as the first-ever interactive session with an FCT Commissioner of Police, pledging to implement the resolutions and provide feedback within one week.

The FCT Police Command also reassured residents that it would closely monitor compliance, engage stakeholders on grazing land matters, and strengthen community policing efforts to prevent future clashes.

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This development marks a rare cooperative gesture between law enforcement and cattle breeders in Abuja, with many hoping it signals a new direction in conflict prevention and urban management.

Maryam Idris