Nigerian president orders security chiefs to stop attacks

igerian President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Chief of Defense Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin and Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, to secure communities under suspected herdsmen attack.

Buhari gave the directive on Wednesday in Abuja, the nation's capital city at a book presentation and directed Olonisakin and Arase to go after all groups terrorizing innocent people across the country.

He expressed the present government's determination to tackle the problem, adding that his administration would not allow such attacks to continue.

"Let me use this platform to condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the attack perpetrated on the Ukpabu Nimbo community in Uzo-Uwani area of Enugu State on Monday," he added.

"I deeply sympathize with all those who lost dear ones, as well as those who lost their properties in the attack," he said.

"I have directed the Chief of Defense Staff and the Inspector-General of Police to secure all communities under attacks by herdsmen," the Nigerian leader told the gathering.

He challenged Nigerians to show more love for their fatherland by rising above tribe, ethnic, religious and political persuasions, to subdue personal interests to the overriding interest of the country.

According to him, to love Nigeria will entail Nigerians critically revising and re-examining their attitudes, values and how they treat one another.

On March 5 suspected herdsmen allegedly razed down seven communities in Agatu area of central north Benue State killing hundreds.

Some herdsmen, who spoke to newsmen, claimed that the crisis started after 10,000 cattle belonging to their members were killed by Agatu natives.

Also, on April 25 herdsmen were reported to have killed about 40 persons at Nimbo in Uzo-Wani Local Government Area of Enugu State, attacking seven villages. Endit