The Senate has urged the Federal Government to fund the establishment of modern ranches across Nigeria to improve safety and economic productivity for herders and residents. In addition, the Red Chamber called for the enactment of a law that defines the limits of economic activities under the ECOWAS treaty to address security concerns.
These resolutions followed a motion moved by Senator Anthony Yaro (Gombe South) titled, “Urgent Need to Address Incessant Banditry Attacks, Killings, and Displacement of Innocent Nigerians in Some Villages in Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State.” Senator Yaro highlighted the December 11 attacks on villages in Billiri, where suspected herders killed several residents, burned homes, and destroyed food supplies and livestock. Villages such as Sansani, Kalindi, Powishi, and Lawushi Daji were affected, displacing many people.
Yaro stressed that these attacks destabilize not only the affected communities but also threaten neighboring states like Taraba, Bauchi, and Adamawa. He emphasized that the violence disrupts food security and economic activities, citing the 1999 Constitution’s guarantee of citizens’ rights to life and freedom of movement.
Senator Seriake Dickson advocated for modern ranches, calling them essential for resolving the herder-farmer conflict. “Ranching is a legitimate business opportunity that addresses the economic plight of herders, many of whom trek long distances from Sokoto to Lagos or Bayelsa,” Dickson stated. He urged the federal government to adopt a nationwide ranching initiative involving key agencies to ensure safety, improve livestock management, boost local economies, and promote peace.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole also stressed the need to define economic activities under the ECOWAS treaty, citing criminal activities tied to individuals exploiting Nigeria’s open borders. “It is critical to enact laws that safeguard the rights of Nigerians and regulate movement and economic activities,” Oshiomhole said.
The Senate observed a minute’s silence in honor of the victims. It then tasked the Inspector General of Police, Chief of Army Staff, and Director-General of the Department of State Services to investigate the attacks, arrest the perpetrators, and prosecute them. A joint police and military task force was called for in Billiri to prevent further killings.
Additionally, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the National Emergency Management Agency, and the North East Development Commission were urged to provide relief materials to displaced persons. The Senate also assigned its committees on Legislative Compliance, Police Affairs, and National Security and Intelligence to monitor the implementation of these resolutions and develop lasting solutions to regional insecurity. The Senate reiterated its commitment to addressing the root causes of the herders’ crisis and ensuring the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.
