Yemi Osinbajo, the vice president of Nigeria, has said that there are at least 800 suspected violent herdsmen in detention across the country.
He said worried by the spate of attacks on innocent people, President Muhammadu Buhari ordered security agencies to arrest those perpetrating the disturbing incidents.
According to Laolu Akande, spokesperson for the vice president, Professor Osinbajo made the disclosure in Texas, US, during an interactive session with Nigerians based in the country.
“The president has given firm instructions to the security agencies to arrest not only herdsmen who are attacking communities anywhere in the country, but anyone of them or anyone at all in possession of firearms,” Osinbajo told the audience on Saturday, October 29, 2016.
“There are about 800 of suspected violent herdsmen in the country that are currently in custody.”
Osinbajo said it is incorrect to assume that the suspects were emboldened by the fact that Buhari, who is a Fulani, was at the helm of affairs.
He said there had always been conflict between herdsmen and communities across the country, adding that the issue is likely to continue as long as grazing lands disappear and cattle feed crops on other people’s farmlands.
Defending the recent arrest of judges, Osinbajo said the current administration only exercised its powers to check excesses.
He said due process was followed, explaining that the judges were released after about 24 hours.
Responding to a question on whether or not former President Goodluck Jonathan would be arrested, Osinbajo said the Buhari administration is not in the business of arresting just anyone anyhow.
He explained that all the government does is to empower security agencies and anti-corruption organisations to do their jobs without undue interference.
